Three notable Giants missed Wednesday’s mandatory minicamp practice, but head coach Pat Shurmur says there is nothing to be alarmed about.
Wide receiver Sterling Shepard sat out with an injured wrist, free safety Jabrill Peppers had a tooth extracted and cornerback Sam Beal was excused for personal reasons.
“They’ll all be fine,” Shurmur said following practice.
In addition to the players who were absent, tight end Evan Engram rode the bike and continued to do side work for the second consecutive day.
Likewise, right tackle Mike Remmers jogged and did work on the side. Left tackle Nate Solder remains sidelined after undergoing arthroscopic ankle surgery.
Defensively, safety Sean Chandler, outside linebacker Avery Moss and defensive tackle Olsen Pierre all worked off to the side.
Here’s a look at four other observations from Wednesday’s practice:
* Saquon Barkley getting work in the slot: The Giants continue to limit Barkley’s practice snaps, but on Wednesday the running back and defending Offensive Rookie of The Year saw some work in the slot. After catching 91 passes for 721 yards and four touchdowns, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Barkley utilized as a slot receiver or out wide this season, in an effort to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
* Rookie Darius Slayton can take the cover off a defense: Rookie wide receiver Darius Slayton has improved in recent practices in terms of holding onto the football and on Wednesday got behind the defense several times for big plays deep downfield. Fellow rookie Daniel Jones launched a perfectly placed deep ball down the sideline to Slayton late in Wednesday’s practice that the former Auburn standout caught despite blanket coverage from defensive back Tony Lippett. Jones and Slayton have developed solid chemistry since rookie minicamp.
* Rhett Ellison and C.J. Conrad have a day: In Engram’s absence, backup tight ends Rhett Ellison and C.J. Conrad put on a show. Quarterback Eli Manning’s best pass of the day came on a deep seam route that Ellison broke wide open on for a nice gain. Ellison also caught a touchdown during the red zone period. Likewise, Conrad caught just about everything thrown his way, including a perfect strike from Daniel Jones for a touchdown and hauled in another score.
* Grant Haley shows off as a blitzer: Giants nickel cornerback Grant Haley picked up a timely sack against the Chicago Bears on a corner blitz last season and once again on Wednesday showed that he can be a playmaker flying off the edge during a blitz period. Haley came in nearly unblocked and sacked Manning late in practice. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Giants last spring, Haley continues to work with the first-team defense as the nickel cornerback as Janoris Jenkins and DeAndre Baker on the outside for the second consecutive session.
Matt Lombardo may be reached at MLombardo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardoNFL