The New York Giants are hoping to put an end to their four-game losing streak with a crucial Week 9 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Fortunately, it appears wide receiver Sterling Shepard is one step closer to making his return.

Shepard has been sidelined with a concussion since Week 5 . The Giants are hopeful he will be able to clear the concussion protocol, via Matt Lombardo of NJ Advance Media:

Pat Shurmur says Sterling Shepard has not cleared the concussion protocol, but is optimistic because he took part in a contact practice today.

Shepard was slated to take over as the top option in the passing game with the departure of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason. Unfortunately, he has struggled to fill this role with 25 receptions for 267 yards and a touchdown after missing time with a concussion. He says he has been symptom-free for at least three weeks now and the Giants are hoping his activity in practice could help solidify his status for the primetime showdown in Week 9.

New York will certainly need all the help they can get as they get set to host a heavily-favored Dallas team. Quarterback Daniel Jones has not had the luxury of having his supporting cast be at full strength very much this season. It is clear that they are anxious to see how the rookie fares once he has all of their weapons at his disposal.

If Shepard is unable to go once again, Jones will be forced to rely on wide receiver Golden Tate, tight end Evan Engram, and running back Saquon Barkley as his main targets in the passing game.