Like most of the football world, New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard was stunned when learning that Eli Manning, not Daniel Jones, would start on Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Did Sterling Shepard think he’d ever catch another pass from Eli Manning?
“To be honest, I didn’t…
But here we are.”
— Tom Rock (@TomRock_Newsday) December 4, 2019
Jones, of course, is sidelined due to a high ankle sprain he suffered in a Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers, ushering in a potential farewell tour for Manning.
Ironically, Manning will likely have his full compliment of playmakers against Philly, as Shepard previously returned from a concussion, while wide receiver Golden Tate (concussion) and tight end Evan Engram (foot) are each expected back on the field this week as well.
And what did they see from Manning in his first practice as QB1 since September? The same old Eli.
On the return of Eli Manning:
Evan Engram: “He looked really good today.”
Sterling Shepard: “He lit it up at practice.”
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) December 4, 2019
Despite reports that Manning’s 2019 resulted in a “demoralized” locker room, his teammates were nothing but complimentary on Wednesday.
“It’ll be pretty cool to play with Eli again,” Shepard added. “Eli is the ultimate pro. It’s ‘next man up’ mentality.”
It would be fitting for Manning and Shepard to connect for a few big plays on Monday night, potentially earning Eli his first win a year to the day of his last victory.
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