Olivier twist
Vernon debut has Giants pumped up
Even if the Panthers know that Olivier Vernon is expected to make his season debut Sunday, Damon Harrison doesn’t think they know what’s coming.
“It’ll be a nice surprise for the Panthers, if we can get him back,” the Giants tackle said Thursday. “That [means] everything. That’s the Terminator. [He] can do it all …. That’s not a discredit to the other guys, but [he’s] just a different animal.
“We’re all excited. I haven’t stopped talking about it yet.”
GIANTS NOTES
Vernon, the linebacker who has been out with a high-ankle sprain since Aug. 26, was a limited participant in Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practices, but head coach Pat Shurmur said he went through team drills. Shurmur also noted that Vernon and Eli Apple (groin) are significantly closer to returning than they were the previous week.
Vernon wouldn’t confirm his status and said he is still determining whether any lingering effects from the injury could impact his play, or how much he plays.
“Prove to myself is the No. 1 priority, but also show that I’m capable of making certain plays that you don’t want to be a liability out there,” Vernon said. “Basically showing the coaches you’re capable of making the cuts when you have to, or inside stunts, stuff like that.
“I’m just excited, when I’ll finally be able to get on the field and be able to contribute. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Vernon thinks he’s been looking forward to it for far too long.
‘It’s very tough. You always want to be out there to help and contribute, and be out there with your teammates,” Vernon said. “All the work you put in, you al- ways expect to be out there playing, but it’s football, and sometimes it doesn’t happen.
“All you can do is mentally prepare yourself to come back and be able to contribute.” Sterling Shepard still feels discomfort after having a cyst removed from his back, but the wide receiver returned to practice after missing Wednesday’s session and said it is “looking good” that he’ll play Sunday.
“I wouldn’t say [I’m] perfectly fine, but getting back to myself, though,” Shepard said. “We’ll see how the rest of the week goes.”
Apple was a full participant after missing the past two games, while wide receiver Cody Latimer (knee) returned to practice after missing Sunday’s game against the Saints.
Tight end Evan Engram (knee) worked on the side with trainers. ➤
Offensive coordinator Mike Shula was unsentimental about returning to Carolina. Shula spent the previous seven seasons with the Panther as their offensive coordinator.
“We need to win,” Shula said. “That’s what this game means. We need to win.”