With rookie quarterback Daniel Jones in a walking boot thanks to a high-ankle sprain, Eli Manning will be lacing up his cleats for the New York Giants at least one more time.
Giants coach Pat Shurmur said it is “very likely” Manning will start on Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Manning lost his starting job after Week 2 of the season and has been riding the bench ever since. During his two starts earlier in the season, Manning did not impress: one touchdown and two interceptions to go with just 250 yards on 26-of-45 passing. Then Daniel Jones came in and immediately led the Giants to a come-from-behind victory against the Bucs, and it largely looked like Eli’s Hall-of-Fame career would be over.
Now, thanks to the injury to his successor, the 38-year-old will get at least one more opportunity to showcase what he can do if he hopes to sign with a new team next season. The two-time Super Bowl winner said he’s “preparing to go” and is excited about the chance to play for the Giants again.
“I’ve missed being part of the action,” Manning said. “It felt good to be out there today [at practice]. I hadn’t thought about playing in a game, just taking it one game at a time, not making any decisions about the future while living in the present.
Eli Manning: “I’m trying to go out there, play hard, compete, and get a win for the team” pic.twitter.com/SCVXyRi6am
— New York Giants (@Giants) December 4, 2019
Starting on the road at Lincoln Financial Field against a Philadelphia team that was embarrassed last week during a loss at Miami is not the softest landing spot for Manning, as the Eagles will be desperate for a win in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. Should Manning be able to deliver a win, he will end New York’s eight-game losing streak, the franchise’s longest stretch without a win since 2004.
Manning, whose last victory as a starter came one year to the date of Monday’s game, is in the final year of his contract, and has been tight-lipped about his plans for next season to date.
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