Sterling Shepard is back in somewhat familiar territory.
With rookie receiver Omar Cooper Jr. set to miss time with an ankle sprain, the Jets signed Shepard — a longtime ex-Giant — to the practice squad on Tuesday, according to NFL Network.
Shepard, a former second-round pick, spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Giants, amassing 4,095 yards and 23 touchdowns in 90 total games with the team.
Now 33 years old, Shepard had a depth role the past two seasons with the Buccaneers. He played in 13 games last year, recording 39 receptions for 371 yards and one touchdown. He was briefly with the Texans in training camp earlier this summer, but was cut not long after.
He is best known as a productive No. 2 receiver for the Giants opposite Odell Beckham Jr. early in both of their careers. Now they’re both back in New York, though Shepard still has a ways to go before potentially seeing any game action at his old stomping grounds in MetLife Stadium.
Cooper, whom the Jets drafted with the No. 30 pick, sprained his ankle during the team’s 23-10 season-opening win over the Titans on Sunday in Tennessee and is considered week-to-week, per NFL Network.
Behind Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell, Isaiah Williams and Arian Smith are the other two receivers on the active roster. Shepard would seemingly have to be elevated over one of them to see the field.
