Eli Manning 'very likely' to start on MNF as Jones nurses ankle sprain

New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur announced Wednesday that quarterback Daniel Jones is in a walking boot with a "moderate high ankle sprain" and is unlikely to play against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Newsday's Tom Rock.

Shurmur added "it will very likely be Eli (Manning)" starting on Monday Night Football as a result.

"I've missed being part of the action," Manning told reporters. "It felt good to be out there today (at practice). I hadn't thought about playing in a game, just taking it one game at a time, not making any decisions about the future while living in the present."

Jones hurt his ankle in New York's Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The rookie still felt soreness on Tuesday, which led to further testing.

The head coach said the injury is "similar but not as severe" as the one Saquon Barkley labored through earlier this season while missing three games, according to Rock.

Shurmur added that Jones won't need surgery, but said if the game was being played Thursday or Friday, the 2019 first-round pick wouldn't be able to suit up.

Manning began the season as the Giants' starting quarterback, but he was benched in favor of Jones after two games. He's the franchise's all-time leader in wins, passing yards, and passing touchdowns.

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