#Evan Engram, Ryan Connelly avoid PUP list in major Giants boost

There were two developments – more specifically, non-developments – that bode well for the Giants as they try to embark on a training camp presenting more challenges than ever. Two key players, tight end Evan Engram and linebacker Ryan Connelly, were not placed on the physically unable to perform list, a positive sign that they are healed from surgeries that curtailed their 2019 seasons.

Engram played in a career-low eight games last season, first missing time with a knee issue, then departing for good with a mid-foot sprain in Week 9 against the Cowboys on “Monday Night Football.” He underwent surgery Dec. 20 to repair a partial Lisfranc tear. Engram, who turns 26 on Sept. 2, was seen in a recent video working out with a few teammates, running and cutting, a precursor to his avoiding the PUP list.

This is a big year up ahead for Engram, as he gets a chance to impress a new coaching staff. The Giants picked up the fifth-year option for 2021 on Engram, but that does not guarantee he will be part of the plan moving forward, as he needs to stay healthy and have a productive season.

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Connelly, a 2019 fifth-round draft pick from Wisconsin, quickly worked his way into the lineup at inside linebacker, starting in Weeks 2 and 3 before going down and out with a knee injury, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in a victory over Washington. Connelly had interceptions in back-to-back games before landing on injured reserve. The Giants signed Blake Martinez from the Packers in free agency to fill one of the inside linebacker starting jobs.

By avoiding the PUP list, Engram and Connelly are available to partake in training camp, such as it is this summer. There is a five-day period of COVID-19 testing, quarantine and physicals. If all goes well, players will be on the field on Monday for conditioning, part of a gradual ramp-up in activity before the first padded practice Aug. 17.