Jabrill Peppers, Golden Tate of Giants injured vs. Bears

New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers suffered a transverse process fracture during Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Bears. The Giants also announced Monday that wide receiver Golden Tate is in the league’s concussion protocol.

Peppers was injured returning a kickoff on the final play of the first half. He did not play in the second half. That injury is, basically, a broken bone in the back. An initial report said Peppers could be sidelined from one to three weeks.

Coach Pat Shurmur indicated that Peppers’ injury should not be season-ending, and when he plays again will likely be determined by his pain tolerance.

The Giants said Tate’s injury was a result of the way he fell to the ground on a fourth-quarter touchdown reception.

Without Peppers, rookie Julian Love played a season-high 42 snaps on defense.

The Giants just got Sterling Shepard back after a five-week absence due to his second concussion of the season.

Tate and Peppers have been the Giants’ punt returners in recent weeks. It is unknown who handles that role on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Cornerback Antonio Hamilton did it in college and regularly practices there. Rookies Darius Slayton and Corey Ballentine have also practiced punt return, though neither has done it in game action.

Shurmur indicated on Monday that the Giants might need to make a roster move to add a return man.