Giants Considering Shutting Down WR Sterling Shepard for the Season Due to Concussions

The New York Giants and wide receiver Sterling Shepard are in a tricky situation when it comes to his concussion issues this season.

According to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, the Giants are considering placing Shepard on season-ending injured reserve due to his struggles to return from his second concussion of the year.

Shepard initially cleared concussion protocol last week, where he was expected to start for the Giants in Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys. However, he told the team on Saturday night that he wasn't feeling well. After consultation, Shepard was placed back into league protocol and missed the game.

Head coach Pat Shurmur called Shepard's second concussion "a serious injury that requires a serious response" on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the Giants sent Shepard to a concussion specialist in Pittsburgh, the same one who's treating Los Angeles Rams receiver Brandin Cooks.

Shepard suffered his first concussion of the season in Week 1 against the Cowboys, but made his return in Week 3 to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After playing in two consecutive games, Shepard was diagnosed with his second concussion while playing against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5.

Earlier this year, Shepard was signed to a four-year, $41 million contract extension by the Giants.

The frequency of the 26-year-old's concussions are definitely something to be concerned about. Considering the New York Giants are 2-7 and have slim chances of making the playoffs, it would be in both parties best interests to shut him down for the remainder of the season.