“Southern gumbo,” Snee joked. “Or whatever they have in the cafeteria.”
Associated Press
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning missed part of Wednesday’s practice session with an illness that coach Tom Coughlin called “a stomach bug, hopefully a 24-hour deal.”
Manning was placed on the Giants’ injury report for the first time this season as a limited participant in practice, though he missed the majority of it. The team is preparing to play the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday for the NFC championship.
Meanwhile, Tom Brady missed the New England Patriots first practice for the AFC championship game with an injury to his left, non-throwing shoulder.
The Patriots face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Before Wednesday’s practice, Brady smiled and appeared to be in a good mood while speaking with reporters.
The injury first kept Brady out of practice on Dec. 28, four days before he played all but the final offensive series in a 49-21 win over Buffalo. Last Saturday, he played every New England offensive series in a 45-10 divisional playoff win over Denver. There was no indication that his shoulder was injured further in that game.
Coach Bill Belichick customarily lists many players on the injury report but almost all usually end up playing.
Manning is coming off his best pro season.
“If there is one guy who can miss a practice Wednesday mentally, it’s No. 10,” guard Chris Snee said of Manning. “He was probably in here on Monday and Tuesday looking at film.”
Tight end Jake Ballard figured Manning headed right home to recuperate — and watch film.
“He’s probably going to spend the rest of the day doing that,” Ballard said.
Also limited Wednesday were defensive ends Justin Tuck (shoulder) and Osi Umenyiora (ankle, knee), cornerback Corey Webster (hamstring) and rookie linebacker Mark Herzlich (ankle).
Missing practice completely was running back Ahmad Bradshaw with a foot problem. Bradshaw frequently has sat out practices or been limited in recent weeks.
Ballard said it was apparent immediately Wednesday morning that Manning wasn’t feeling well.
“You could tell he was hurting bad,” Ballard said. “He usually toughs things out like that. You could tell he was dragging, and you don’t like to see your Pro Bowl quarterback throwing up or feeling like that. Hopefully he’s better tomorrow.”
Snee wants to make sure of that, so he offered some help.
“I’m actually going to bring him some soup tomorrow,” Snee said. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure he is at full strength.”
Some home cooking?
“Southern gumbo,” Snee joked. “Or whatever they have in the cafeteria.”