Giants' Shepard, Slayton, Bredeson out vs. Saints

New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Giants' Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, Ben Bredeson out vs. Saints

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/1/21

New York Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett may or may not be coaching to keep his play-calling duties for another week during Sunday's game at the New Orleans Saints.

Garrett's job just got that much more difficult, and the Giants' chances of notching their first victory after three straight defeats likely took another hit.

The Giants confirmed Friday that wide receivers Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton, along with left guard Ben Bredeson, have all been ruled out for the Saints showdown.

WRs Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton are OUT on Sunday vs. Saints.

LG Ben Bredeson (hand) out as well. https://t.co/Ki8N9IQ5VS
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 1, 2021

Shepard and Slayton are both dealing with hamstring injuries, while Bredeson hurt his hand in last Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

According to ESPN stats, Shepard leads Big Blue with 18 receptions, 22 targets and 223 receiving yards. Shepard and Slayton share the team lead with one touchdown catch each, and Slayton has also contributed seven receptions for 127 yards.

Top-tier wide receiver Kenny Golladay seemed to campaign for additional deep routes earlier in the week, and the absences of Shepard and Slayton could allow Golladay to have his wish granted. Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram should also see an uptick of targets against New Orleans.

Bredeson's status guarantees the Giants will start a different left guard in at least four consecutive outings. The newly signed Wes Martin, Matt Skura or Matt Peart could take Bredeson's spot in the lineup versus the Saints.

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