New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is using crutches to get around the team's facility this week, but he cast them aside before coming out in a walking boot to address assembled media Tuesday.
Manning's message, as he always tries to make it, is that there's nothing to worry about -- that the ankle surgery he had a couple of weeks ago was the right move at the right time and that it shouldn't affect the Giants' 2014 season.
"I think I'm safe to say I'll be 100 percent by the start of training camp," Manning said. "I would hope so."
Manning had arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle April 10. At that time, he and the team said he expected to be cleared to start running again in six weeks. But cleared to run doesn't necessarily mean cleared to practice.
Manning is missing valuable time throwing to his receivers, specifically Rueben Randle, with whom Manning had several miscommunications during the 2013 season. The Giants are also installing a new offense; Manning surely will be getting "mental reps," but we'd feel better about the prospects of a bounce back season if he were able to throw this spring.
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