Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard had a cyst removed from his back and will miss practice time this week, according to coach Pat Shurmur.

Shepard, who has 24 catches for 229 yards and two touchdowns, rode the exercise bike during the window of Wednesday's practice open to the media.

"He had a little thing taken off the base of his back that is just going to take him a day or so to get back from," Shurmur said. "Otherwise he'll be fine."

The Giants got plenty of good news on the injury front, however, as outside linebacker Olivier Vernon and cornerback Eli Apple were involved in individual drills. Vernon also participated in individual drills last Wednesday but missed his fourth straight game.

It is unknown how much either Vernon or Apple participated in team periods but Shurmur sounds increasingly optimistic about both being in the lineup Sunday against the Panthers.

"It's a big help," cornerback Janoris Jenkins said of Apple's return. "Hopefully he's really healthy and ready to compete. (Olivier) would be huge. We'll get a pass rush. The quarterback won't be able to pat the ball as long probably, and he's somebody to set a nice firm edge."

Outside linebacker Connor Barwin, tight end Evan Engram, defensive tackle Damon Harrison and wide receiver Cody Latimer were off to the side during individual drills. Harrison wore a bucket hat during stretches.

Defensive end Josh Mauro returned to the practice field for the first time since the preseason. He was suspended for four games and the Giants have until Monday to add him to the 53-man roster.

Ryan Dunleavy may be reached at rdunleavy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rydunleavy. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.