Eli Manning “Very Likely” to Start Monday vs. Eagles Due to Daniel Jones Injury

The Eli Manning era of New York Giants football appeared to be over in Week 2. Oh, how plans have changed.

On Wednesday, head coach Pat Shurmur announced that rookie quarterback Daniel Jones has a “moderate” high ankle sprain. As a result, it’s “very likely” that Manning gets the start for Monday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jones, who was in a walking boot at the team facility, suffered the injury during this past weekend’s game against the Green Bay Packers. In the second quarter, Packers linebacker Preston Smith unintentionally landed with his full weight on the right ankle of Jones. The rookie did sport a noticeable limp, but remained in the game. With hopes of it getting better throughout the course of the week, Jones’ ankle only got worse.

Shurmur said Jones’ ankle injury is similar to the one running back Saquon Barkley suffered back in Week 3, but “less severe.”

As for Jones’ status for the remainder of the season, Shurmur will take it “week-to-week.” And for those who want the rookie to be shut down for the remainder of this lost season, Shurmur says he has no intention of doing so.

Manning was benched following New York’s Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. In his two starts this season, Manning completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 556 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Ironically, Manning’s reemergence as the starter happens exactly two years since former head coach Ben McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese were fired due to Manning’s botched benching for backup Geno Smith.

Once the Giants’ losing streak extended, there were rumblings of a potential farewell game for Manning, but the veteran declined. Now, he’s got an unofficial farewell tour with his 116-116 career record hanging in the balance.