Manningham doubtful for Giants-Jets game
The Giants likely won't be able to afford Mario Manningham next season. (undated file photo) Credit: Getty Images
Mario Manningham wouldn't put Darrelle Revis on a pedestal. But Saturday, Manningham might not even be on the field.
The Giants wide receiver is listed as doubtful in the final injury report before Saturday's game, meaning there is only a slim chance that he will play. That would further deplete a Giants receiving group that already is without tight end Jake Ballard (knee).
Manningham is third and Ballard fourth in receptions on the Giants, and they have caught eight touchdown passes between them. Victor Cruz will start if Manningham can't play.
Manningham has missed three games with knee troubles, but he has played in the last two. He did not practice this week with what Giants coach Tom Coughlin called knee "soreness."
Manningham guaranteed earlier in the week that he will play, but the Giants figured to be without Ballard, who sprained his posterior cruciate ligament Sunday against the Redskins. Bear Pascoe likely will start at tight end for Ballard, not a matchup that really concerns Rex Ryan.
"I don't even know who is going to play tight end this week for them," the Jets' coach said a few days ago. "But if it's Mark Bavaro, I'd be more concerned."
No room at the inn
The Giants will use their own locker room for Saturday's game at MetLife Stadium, but they'll be bumped to the visiting sideline. And Friday night, they also were kicked out of their usual pregame hotel.
The Giants and the Jets both stay at the same hotel the night before home games. Because this is a Jets home game, they have dibs. That sent the Giants to another part of town.
Giant steps
RB D.J. Ware (knee) was listed as questionable and he'll be a game-time decision. He did not practice this week . . . Besides Ballard, the Giants ruled out DE Osi Umenyiora (ankle) and LB Mark Herzlich (ankle) . . . RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), C David Baas (neck), and TEs Pascoe (ribs) and Travis Beckum (chest) are probable.
