Jerry Reese: Eli Manning unlikely to practice until training camp

The New York Giants don't expect quarterback Eli Manning to return from ankle surgery in time for any of their spring workouts, general manager Jerry said on Thursday, declaring the veteran QB "out for spring ball."

"He'll be back when he gets back. We're not gonna rush him back. We know he'll be back in the summer. That's important to us," Reese said. "If he can do something in the spring we'll be happy to see him out there."

Translation: The Giants don't expect to see Manning taking snaps on the field until training camp.

Manning, of course, recently underwent surgery following a high ankle sprain suffered against the Washington Redskins in the final game of the regular season.

Reese did say he expects Manning, who had the worst season of his career in 2013, to rebound well in 2014.

"Eli is a smart guy. I think he's driven to prove that last year was just an odd year for him," Reese said. "I believe he'll bounce back and have a terrific season."

-- More later on Reese's comments regarding the Giants' plans for the upcoming NFL Draft.