Eli Manning Surgery: Giants' QB to have ankle surgery

This is not the kind of news Eli Manning and the New York Giants needed as they head into a critical offseason with a new offensive coordinator, a new scheme and a bevy of new players. Manning is undergoing surgery on his left ankle this afternoon.

Manning injured the ankle in the final regular season game, suffering a high ankle sprain against the Washington Redskins.

"I went through the recovery and rehab after suffering the sprain," said Manning. "I was still experiencing some discomfort as I began my normal offseason preparation, and after consultation, we felt the right thing was to have Dr. Anderson clean out the ankle. The doc tells me I should be running in about six weeks. I'm looking forward to the start of the offseason program on the 21st. I will be in the weight room and in the meeting rooms so we can all learn the new offense. I got some good work in this week at Duke, and I think it's smart to get this procedure done now so the ankle isn't an ongoing issue. I'm eager to get to work with our new offensive coaches and system."

The Giants' offseason program starts on Monday, April 21 with two weeks of strength and conditioning and rehabilitation. They will then hold OTAs May 28-30, June 2-3, June 5, June 9-10, June 12-13, and a mandatory minicamp June 17-19.

With new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo installing a new system, as well as the Giants having a new quarterbacks coach (Danny Langsdorf), new running backs coach (Craig Johnson) and with holdovers Sean Ryan (wide receivers) and Kevin M. Gilbride (tight ends) in new roles this will be an offseason of adjustment for the Giants.

The fact that Manning may not be able to participate when the Giants get on the field in late May is not comforting.