EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The four high-profile Giants offensive playmakers who were inactive for the victory against Carolina returned to the practice field today, a step toward their potential return Monday night in Kansas City.
That's as definitive a statement as we can make five days before the game.
The Giants will not release their first injury report of the week until tomorrow. Because coach Joe Judge spoke to reporters prior to practice, it was unclear exactly how much the players participated in practice. But Judge did say the group would work with the team’s athletic trainers.
Running back Saquon Barkley (ankle) and wide receivers Kenny Golladay (knee), Kadarius Toney (ankle), and Sterling Shepard (hamstring) all missed last week's game, making spectators of players who have accounted for 194 rushing yards, 82 receptions and four touchdowns. The first three players were declared out of the game on Friday. Shepard tested his hamstring in a brief pregame workout before being placed on the inactive list.
The Giants are hopeful of welcoming back as many of them as possible for the game against the two-time defending AFC champion Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium.
"I would say that being a Monday night game, there's a little bit more of a window of time," Judge said. "They've all made progress. We're going to move them around today. Tomorrow, we'll probably have a much better idea in terms of going into the game with them (and) what they're going to look like. I wouldn't say anything that happens today or tomorrow would rule them out or guarantee them at the game, but today should give us a little bit of an insight into it and then really tomorrow in terms of how much they can do individually, how much they can do in some team periods, what are they able to do when they're out there."
Barkley and Golladay were hurt on Oct. 11 in Dallas and have missed the last two games. Toney, who set a franchise rookie record with 189 receiving yards vs. the Cowboys, aggravated his ankle injury on the game's first series the following week against the L.A. Rams. Shepard and fellow receiver Darius Slayton both injured hamstrings on Sept. 26. The former missed two games before catching 10 passes in his return to action vs. Los Angeles. While Shepard was inactive last week, Slayton played after sitting out three games and had five receptions for 63 yards.
Though the Giants held out some hope that Shepard would face the Panthers, it quickly became obvious when he was tested 2½ two hours before kickoff that it wouldn't be possible.
"It was at a point that he wasn't going to be able to go out there in the game and that we felt good enough that he was going to go out there and stay," Judge said. "Shep's a tough dude. I'm just telling you, if he had to duct tape the leg back on, he would've gone out there and done it, so we had to kind of help make the decision for him because we know he's going to push through whatever it is. From a medical standpoint, the medical staff had to go ahead and have some insight in making sure that we put him in a good position to maybe go forward the rest of the season and be healthy.
"We just wanted to get him to that pregame workout to see if he had a chance to go. Shep's a guy that's experienced, he prepares really well through either walkthroughs or just being in the meetings. He's a guy that can go out there and operate within a game. Ideally, you want everybody on the field for timing. There are different levels of guys based on experience with both the players that they're going to be playing with on the field and just in general where you have a little more flexibility of what did they do during the week, can they get to the game? Shep's a guy that with his experience and his experience specifically with (quarterback) Daniel (Jones), I'd say as far as their timing and chemistry, you feel a little better about saying, 'Okay, if we can get this guy to the game in certain weeks, we can get him up and back.'"
Shepard is not on the same track as Barkley, Golladay or Toney.
"I think he's a little bit different because he was close to playing last week, but I wouldn't say it's too far removed," Judge said. "Obviously, he didn't play in the game last week, so he'll be in the crew today over with the trainers, moving around to see how far out he is."
Regarding the other three players, Judge declined to say if one or more were further along in the recoveries.
"They have three different injuries, three different bodies," Judge said. "There's different timetables for all of these guys. I'm not going to go ahead and give a 'This guy's further ahead.' With these injuries, it sounds like day by day different guys are at different points and some days it sounds like one guy is further along than another guy. What we ask from the trainers is just give us accurate information and let us know so we can plan accordingly."
View rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs ahead of their Week 8 matchup on Monday Night Football.
Giants TE Mark Bavaro gathers in a Phil Simms pass over the Chiefs' Lloyd Burruss and Aaron Pearson, right, for a first quarter touchdown at Giants Stadium, Dec. 11, 1988.
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants defensive tackle Jim Burt (64) takes out Kansas City Chiefs running back Ken Lacy (40) during an NFL game in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants linebacker Carl Banks (58) pass rushes during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants running back Rob Carpenter (26) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs Nov. 25, 1984, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Chuck Solomon via AP)
New York Giants kicker Ali Haji-Sheikh (6) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs Nov. 25, 1984, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Chuck Solomon via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler enjoys a scoring moment with teammate Mark Ingram during the first quarter of game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford, New Jersey Saturday, Dec. 20, 1992. Hostetler connected for Ingram for a 21 yard touchdown pass, one of two tossed by the quarterback, after being out for three weeks with a severe concussion. The Giants downed the Chiefs 35-21. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants receiver Chris Calloway runs with a reception during an NFL Football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 17, 1995 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Giants 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Rodney Hampton dives forward for yadage during an NFL Football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 17, 1995 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Giants 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants, Michael Strahan (92) during a game against the Kansas City Chief on December 20, 1998 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants beat the Chiefs 28-7. Michael Strahan played for 15 years all with the Giants. He was a 7-time Pro Bowler and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 20, 1998. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-7. (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants coach Jim Fassel wears a New York Police Department cap while pausing during a moment of silence before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001. New York coaches and officials wore New York emergency services caps to honor those killed at the World Trade Center during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez blocks against New York Giants Brandon Short during an NFL football game on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins calls signals at the line during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs for yardage against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL football game on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants won 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive back Jason Sehorn defends on a play during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Ron Dayne runs for yardage during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green (10) looks for a receiver as New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) forces him out of the pocket in the third quarter Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001, in Kansas City, Mo. New York won 13-3. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants cornerback Will Allen (25) brings down Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez during the first half Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. New York won 13-3. (AP Photo/Ed Zurgal)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber escapes from Kansas City Chiefs' Kendrell Bell during the third quarter in NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber ran for 220 yards and the Giants won, 27-17.(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giantswide receiver Plaxico Burress gains 15 yards on a pass-play as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Eric Warfield, reart, attempts to bring him down during fourth-quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber powers his way to the end zone as Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley tries to bring him down in the fourth quarter of NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber, left, heads down field ahead of Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley (25) to score a touchdown during the second quarter of NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer manages to keep his knee from touching the ground despite the efforts of Kansas City Chiefs Kendrell Bell, left, and Sammy Knight during the fourth quarter in NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. Toomer broke free on the play and scored a touchdown. The play was reviewed but the call stood. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer (81) holds up the ball after scoring a touchdown despite the efforts of Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley (25) during the fourth quarter of NFL action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer, right, drags along Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley on his way to the end zone during the fourth quarter of NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, left, grabs Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green by the jersey during fourth quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) breaks a tackle by Kansas City Chiefs safety Sammy Knight, left, as he runs 31 yards for a touchdown during fourth-quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Chiefs, 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green (10) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Kendrick Allen during first quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, center, is pulled down by New York Giants safety C.C. Brown, left, and safety Michael Johnson after running up the middle for a 15-yard gain during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Corey Mays (51) defends during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss, center, catches a pass as Kansas City Chiefs safety Jarrad Page, left, and safety Jon McGraw, right, defend during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) celebrates after stopping Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson during second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City. The Giants won 27-16. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs past Kansas City Chiefs safety Jon McGraw (47) during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City. The Giants won 27-16. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith, front, catches a 25-yard pass for a touchdown as Kansas City Chiefs safety Jarrad Page looks on during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel (7) is knocked to the ground by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora after throwing during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning yells instructions during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith, right, catches a 25-yard pass for a touchdown as Kansas City Chiefs safety Jarrad Page looks on during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham, left, catches a pass under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers (24) for a 43-yard gain during the first quarter of a their NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) gets past Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Brown (30) to score a touchdown during the second quarter of a their NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) is tackled by New York Giants middle linebacker Mark Herzlich (58) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
The New York Giants defense gets set at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs offense during an NFL football game on Sept. 29, 2013 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won, 31-7. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) catches a ball against New York Giants middle linebacker Mark Herzlich (58) and cornerback Aaron Ross (31) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants outside linebacker Spencer Paysinger (52) recovers a ball fumbled by the Kansas City Chiefs with help from defensive tackle Mike Patterson (93) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Akeem Jordan (55) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) is run out of bounds by New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to hand the ball off during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants outside linebacker Spencer Paysinger (52) recovers a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) runs in the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes to a teammate during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants defensive back Terrell Thomas (24) brings down Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) during the second half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dunta Robinson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) looks to advance under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dunta Robinson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) looks to advance under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dunta Robinson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) reacts with teammates after rushing for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) greets Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce (87) after an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 12-9. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Jerell Adams (89) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs' Reggie Ragland (59) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87 is tackled by New York Giants safety Darian Thompson (27) in action Sunday Nov.19, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs' Eric Murray (21) chases New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) is tackled during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) prepares for the snap during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 12-9. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) rushes as Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) and Chris Jones (95) watch during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) celebrates with teammates Brett Jones (69) and Chad Wheeler (63) after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs with the ball during the game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 12-9. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) is tackled by New York Giants' Ross Cockrell (37) and Calvin Munson (46) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs with the ball during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 12-9. (Al Tielemans via AP)
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