Giants WR Shepard fractures thumb in practice

New York Giants receiver Sterling Shepard fractured his left thumb during the club's first full-squad practice on Thursday. Shepard underwent X-rays that displayed the fracture. The Giants announced that the injury will be re-evaluated weekly.

The fourth-year-pro was injured when he reached down to the ground to attempt to catch a low pass. New York is counting on big things from Shepard after dealing star wideout Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns in the offseason.

Shepard, who had career-high totals of 66 receptions and 872 yards last season, signed a four-year, $41 million deal in April. Prior to practice, Giants coach Pat Shurmur said he feels Shepard could blossom into a No. 1 receiver.

"Sterling is a football player, and we appreciate his toughness and his ability to make plays and all the things he adds to the team," Shurmur added. "He's a value-added guy in my mind. He plays his position, but he makes the people around him better. I think that's what all the players should strive to do." Shepard has 190 catches for 2,286 yards and 14 touchdown receptions in 43 games (42 starts) for the Giants.