New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard still has a cast on his broken thumb, but he expects to be a full go when the team takes the field week one against the Dallas Cowboys. Shepard won't be in action when the team takes on the New York Jets on Thursday night, he says it's about a 95 percent chance that he will be ready to go week one.

Shepard is still trying to practice while protecting his hand but admits sometimes instincts take over and that's when it really hurts.

“If I hit it real hard, it reminds me that it’s broken,” Shepard said via the New York Daily News. “But I try to catch it just with one hand and keep it at that. But instincts kick in from time to time.

“It’s pretty tough. You’re used to throwing two hands up. I’m not Odell. He naturally can throw up one hand. I don’t naturally do that so I have to hold myself back from time to time. But it’s a good way to work on my right hand, I guess.”

Article Continues Below
Related News
giants, jaxson dart
1 New York Giants rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicampGarrett Kerman ·
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and quarterback Jaxson Dart, who will wear No. 6 as his jersey number.
The real reason Giants’ Jaxson Dart won’t wear No. 2Andrew Korpan ·
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson, who reacted to Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers of the Eastern Conference Finals, at New York Knicks-Boston Celtics game
Russell Wilson hyped up after Knicks’ Game 3 comeback win vs. PacersAndrew Korpan ·
New York Giants first round draft pick, Abdul Carter, takes questions from the media during his introduction press conference. New York Giants
Giants’ Abdul Carter sends support to Knicks after 0-2 ECF startJaren Kawada ·
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson stands courtside during the fourth quarter of game six in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.
Chris Simms blasts Russell Wilson’s leadership, cites unnamed Steelers sourcesJaren Kawada ·
New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51) participates in a drill during rookie minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
Giants lock up Abdul Carter on fully guaranteed 4-year contractDouglas Fritz ·

Some players with a broken thumb might not be practice but Shepard thinks it's important to practice because he can still work on his timing with Eli Manning which will help once he is fully healthy to play in a game.

With Odell Beckham Jr. gone all the expectations and pressure goes on Shepard and it's important to the Giants offense that he is healthy when the season kicks off.