New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard was placed into concussion protocol for the third time this season ahead of a Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys, leading many to speculate whether or not his career was in jeopardy.

Shepard has suffered at least five concussions dating back to High School, and two of those came over a four-week span earlier this season. And the back-to-back concussions have been substantial enough to keep Shepard off the field for a combined six game thus far in 2019.

Rather than shutting him down for the season, the Giants have remained patient with Shepard, hoping to get him back before the season comes to a close. And as fate would have it, that hope may come to fruition.

Shepard was a full participant in practice on Monday, an indication that he has once again reached the final step of the league’s concussion protocol.

“They’re still going through it, so we’ll see what the week brings. But we’re encouraged that they’ll make it through,” head coach Pat Shurmur told reporters of the multiple players on concussion protocol.

Given the severity of concussions and their long-term impact, the Giants had better tread lightly before thrusting Shepard back out onto the field.

The last time Shepard cleared concussion protocol, he managed to get in just a single practice before symptoms returned. Needless to say, the Giants and their staff must be extra vigilant when it comes to the young receiver, who had made it abundantly clear that he still wants to play football despite some pressure from his inner circle to consider retirement.