Both wide receiver Sterling Shepard and linebacker Blake Martinez took pay cuts this offseason in order to return to the New York Giants in 2022. They also likely agreed to the salary reduction because they’re coming off of injury and weren’t looking at a strong market.
Martinez, of course, suffered a torn ACL in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons. Shepard later suffered a torn Achilles in a Week 15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Both landed on season-ending injured reserve.
Although they are serious injuries to come back from, Giants general manager Joe Schoen remains hopeful both players will return to the field in August ahead of the 2022 regular season.
“Both those guys are in there every day,” Schoen told reporters on Monday. “Both working hard. I see them at lunch every day. Two guys I really enjoy being around, leaders, busting their butt. I think Blake could be back before Shep, just because of the timeline of the injury, but I’ve been really impressed with both of them and their work ethic and the time that they’re putting in.
“Hopefully by August. Again, we’re not going to rush them along. We don’t play until September. Ease those guys along. Again, they’re two professionals that understand their bodies, leadership, they understand their process. The goal is to have them on the field in August.”
The news was not nearly as positive for offensive lineman Nick Gates, who suffered a stomach-turning leg fracture in Week 2 against the Washington Commanders. He required at least six surgeries and recently suffered a minor setback in his recovery.
— Giants taking a wait-and-see approach with OL Nick Gates, per Joe Schoen. I heard recently Gates underwent a procedure as he recovers from leg injury and there is still hope he’s ready for training camp.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) March 28, 2022
There remains some lingering hope that Gates could return to the field this season, but there are still many hurdles to clear.
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