New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (foot) was the only player not participating in at least some level of practice on Monday, but that was a decision made by trainers in an effort to keep the talented star on schedule.

“I’m feeling really good, progress is going along really well. The trainers are doing a really good job, it’s definitely on the upward trend of getting back soon,” Engram told reporters. “I’m doing a lot of stuff in the pool, taking some weight off. We have a Alter G machine that kind of varies your body weight, I’ve been running and moving around. I’m gradually working on that and like I said, it’s a day by day thing, improving and getting better. Like I said, the trainers are doing a really good job, we are doing everything we can to get back.”

But when does Engram realistically expect to be back? How about on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

“This week, towards the end of this week, that’s the plan. Just keep building on that,” Engram said. “It’s definitely possible, I feel good. We’ll see where we’re at (in the) middle to the end of this week. I’m staying locked in in meetings, game plans and stuff like that, that’s very important as well. I think as long as I stay prepared mentally and continue to do what I do with my foot, I could be ready to go.”

Engram added that the injury originally carried a 2-to-4 week recovery time frame and that he only shed his walking boot as of Monday morning, so as optimistic as he may be for a Week 12 return, Giants fans should be cautious about sharing in that optimism.