Eli's bad foot may be getting a lot worse
Photo credit: AP | Eli Manning developed a stress reaction from compensating for other injuries; the new injury could become a stress fracture, which would probably cause the Giants quarterback to miss the rest of the season. (November 26, 2009)
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Eli ManningEli Manning has overcome the plantar fasciitis and injured plantar fascia in his right foot this season, but at the expense of another problem that could develop into a season-ending injury.
An MRI revealed a stress reaction in the foot, which came as a result of compensating for the earlier injuries. ESPN, which first reported the condition Sunday, said the stress reaction is in the cuboid bone. A person familiar with the injury said the Giants knew such a situation could occur, calling it an "evolution" from the previous injuries and "not unexpected."
The stress reaction, however, could lead to a stress fracture, which probably would end Manning's season. A source called the stress fracture "a possibility but not a certainty" and maintained that it is just as likely that the stress reaction will not develop into a fracture.
Manning had the MRI before the Falcons game - likely during the bye week - so it is not having an effect on his play. He threw for a career-high 384 yards and three touchdowns in the 34-31 overtime win over the Falcons. On Thursday against the Broncos, he completed 24 of 40 passes for 230 yards after a slow start (6-for-13 for 28 yards and two sacks in the first half).
After that 26-6 loss in Denver, Manning addressed the media wearing a suit and tie . . . and sneakers. His dress shoes remained in his locker. Besides looking awkward, that may have been part of the treatment for the stress reaction, which calls for him to wear more supportive shoes, rest as much as possible and use a bone stimulator.
The Giants are optimistic that through treatment, they can prevent the stress fracture through the rest of the season.
Manning has played through the stress reaction - "He has had more discomfort in his foot [earlier this season] than he's had the last couple of weeks," a source said - and the revelation of the injury is just the latest in what has been a difficult season for the Giants.
The team lost defensive tackle Jay Alford (knee) in training camp and safety Kenny Phillips (knee) after Week 2. The Giants also have spent time without defensive tackle Chris Canty (hamstring, calf), linebacker Michael Boley (knee) and cornerback Aaron Ross (hamstring).
When the Giants entered their bye week earlier this month, they finally were healthy and had all 53 players practicing. But just before the game against the Falcons, an MRI revealed a bulging disc in the neck of linebacker Antonio Pierce that has sidelined him indefinitely. The Giants also played without running back Ahmad Bradshaw on Thursday after he sprained an ankle against the Falcons.
Manning has started 89 consecutive games for the Giants, including seven in the playoffs, the third-longest active streak in the NFL. He played through mild plantar fasciitis early in the season but suffered a direct injury to the plantar fascia in Week 4 against the Chiefs. It was a non-contact injury; he turned from a play-action fake and planted for a downfield pass, hopping from the pain before falling. He stayed in for one more snap before leaving that game and played less than a half the following week against the Raiders.
He had been listed on the injury report with a "foot," came off the injury report for the Week 8 game against the Eagles, but has been on it ever since.
