First-round pick Eli Apple and second-round pick Sterling Shepard played in their first NFL preseason game Friday night, but neither was around at the finish, as both rookies were forced out in the first half of a 27-10 Giants loss to the Dolphins at MetLife Stadium with injuries that neither player believes is serious.
Apple got hurt covering a punt and was diagnosed with a left lower leg strain and Shepard came out of the game with a sore groin. Shepard opened eyes with a diving catch for a 24-yard completion and Apple showed plenty of athleticism during his time on defense.