Eli Manning was hoping to return to Giants practice Thursday, but it didn’t happen.
New York’s franchise quarterback was not on the field for a second straight day, and his status for Sunday’s game against the Raiders is in greater doubt.
Manning’s shoulder problem in 2007 is a different case, but the Newark Star-Ledger points out he was doing limited work on the side of practice on Thursday after that injury. There has been no visible progress from Manning this week.
Still, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said previously that Manning could play in Sunday’s game even if he doesn’t practice all week. So we probably won’t know Manning’s status until just before gametime.
Even if Eli does play, the Giants would be well served to have him hand the ball off all day against Oakland.
The team around Manning, especially the offensive line, is strong enough to carry the team no matter what No. 1 overall pick is taking snaps from center.
(As long as it’s not JaMarcus Russell.)