New York Giants

Giants WR Sterling Shepard fractures thumb in first practice

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:58 p.m. ET

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard fractured his left thumb in the team's first practice at training camp.

The Giants announced the injury Thursday evening, a couple of hours after practice ended.

Shepard was injured reaching to the ground to catch a low pass. He will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis, the team said.

The fourth-year receiver who got a new contract after last season was expected to become the Giants' top receiver following the trade of Odell Beckham Jr. to Cleveland in the offseason. Shepard started all 16 games and finished with career-high totals of 66 catches and 872 yards.

Safety Jabrill Peppers, who was acquired in the Beckham deal, experienced cramps late in practice.

Coming off a season in which he was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, running back Saquon Barkley was greeted by fans with the chant of "MVP."

"That's a first," Barkley said after practice. "I have never really heard that chant before. I'm just grateful for the fans who come out and show support. It's just fun being out there and playing football again."

Barkley said winning the MVP award would be nice, but he is more focused on helping the Giants win.

"I take care of the little things and focus on team first," he said. "It's a team-first mentality and all of the individual awards will take care of themselves."

Barkley led the NFL with 2,028 yards from scrimmage. He set team rookie records with 1,307 yards, 91 receptions (tied with Beckham) and 15 touchdowns.