SEPT 3 – ADDISON RETURNS – After an injury scare in the middle of August, Minnesota Vikings receiver Jordan Addison’s season opener was in doubt.

However, Addison and his recovered ankle made it back to practice on Monday, according to ProFootballTalk. Thus, it seems likely Addison is available for the Vikings’ Week 1 opener against the New York Giants.

The Giants secondary is rather thin, and set to have its hands full with Justin Jefferson looming on the boundary. Addison, a first-round receiver in his own right, will have the opportunity to do damage, even with backup quarterback Sam Darnold under center.

The New York faithful will learn more about their opponent when the injury report drops on Wednesday.

AUG 31 – SHEPARD SIGNS – The New York Giants lost an icon this offseason when running back Saquon Barkley left town for the Philadelphia Eagles.

But what may have pulled at the heartstrings more was the inevitable departure of receiver Sterling Shepard.

After eight years, New York’s young receiving corps proved to have no more room for the veteran – the Giants’ longest-tenured player. The 2016 second-round pick topped 800 yards just once, but as an ancillary receiver, he was beloved for his contributions and leadership.

Shepard spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this summer and was released during the cut down to 53 players. However, he re-signed with the team’s practice squad later in the week, seemingly a priority for Tampa Bay.

If he does see the field, he’ll do so with his college quarterback, Baker Mayfield, under center. Shepard could return home in Week 12 when the Giants play host to his Buccaneers. He’d be guaranteed to receive a warm welcome

AUG 29 – AIYUK EXTENDS – While the rest of the league was working on their practice squads, the San Francisco 49ers were finalizing a higher-profile move. On Thursday, the 49ers signed Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million extension, complete with $76 million in guarantees, per Mike Garafolo.

The Giants were never in the market for the superstar receiver, but they should consider this deal good news.

For one, the Washington Commanders were an early favorite to trade for his services. With former teammate Jayden Daniels under center and the incentive to support their franchise quarterback, the Commanders were in position to make Aiyuk a semi-annual problem for New York.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were largely expected to land him as the hold-in continued, though, and they too came up empty. Pittsburgh will host the Giants in Week 8 – without an elite receiver.

AUG 28 – BOOSTED BY BARKLEY – The story of the New York Giants offseason was losing running back Saquon Barkley to the Philadelphia Eagles

Losing a franchise was hard enough on a fan base that’s been through the ringer, but going to an Eagles team that is positioned to rub the acquisition in their faces only added insult to injury.

The New York faithful got a harsh reminder of Barkley’s talent in ESPN’s top 100 players for the upcoming season, in which Barkley ranked 48th.

“Working behind a stout offensive line and alongside playmakers such as Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Barkley has had plenty of space to operate in during training camp,” Tim McManus wrote.

“He has flashed the combination of speed and power that made him so successful over six seasons with the Giants.

“Health is the question mark after he missed seven games over the past three seasons because of injury. If he can stay on the field, he’ll have plenty of opportunities as a runner and pass catcher.”

New York will have to deal with Barkley in Weeks 7 and 18. AUG 27 – PRESCOTT, HURTS RANKED – Every year, The Athletic surveys NFL coaches and executives to separate the league’s (non-rookie) starting quarterbacks into tiers.

Spoiler alert, New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones didn’t fare well, ranking 23rd among 30 subjects. His NFC East rivals received much more praise. Both were considered Tier 2 quarterbacks – quarterbacks with the talent to carry teams or an otherwise special ability that makes them a franchise passer.