New York Giants lose promising WR Collin Johnson to torn Achilles

The New York Giants lost a player on the same day that a player returned to the field.

According to the team, Johnson tore his ankle during practice. Kadarius Toney and Shepard were on the sideline as the big receiver received first-team reps in recent weeks.

The coach noted earlier in the week that Johnson and others were making a good impression. Johnson started Sunday's preseason game and had three catches for 41 yards, with most of the damage coming with the first team offense.

They've stepped their game up. They're in the mix because they want to play.

The opener is in Tennessee. Minor injuries are being dealt with by Toney, Board, and Slayton.

Shepard was making his way back from an injured ankle. He practiced for the first time on Wednesday.

Shepard caught a 20-yard pass from backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor during live drills. Being on the field is a blessing. When you go through an injury like that and you've been on the sideline for a long time, it's even worse. You have to remember that you never know when you'll have to sit out that long.

It had been almost a year since Shepard tore his Achilles. He has caught 3,884 yards and 21 touchdown in New York and is the longest tenured Giant.

The return of Shepard made it seem as if the Giants were getting better at the position. Toney, Board and Slayton were in the beginning of the practice.

Johnson and Marcus Kemp were injured when Toney grabbed at the back of his leg. Both Johnson and Kemp were taken to the hospital.

The Giants took on two new players on Wednesday. They made room on the roster by cutting Jordan Akins.

In 26 career games, Johnson has 29 catches for 377 yards. Last year he was a blocker for the Giants.

He seemed to have taken his game to a new level this summer. He earned the trust of starting quarterback Daniel Jones and some first-team reps because he was making plays consistently.

In the first two preseason games, Johnson had ten catches for 123 receiving yards. With Toney still banged up and Shepard coming back from a serious injury, it looked like Johnson could have started. His season ended early.