The best news that came from Thursday's second New York Giants OTA? Probably that quarterback Eli Manning seems fine seven weeks after surgery on his left ankle. Manning took nearly all of the first-team reps during today's workout, including one play where he was flushed from the pocket and had to run to his left before throwing.
After practice Manning said "I don't notice" the ankle when on the field. He added there was "no swelling, no discomfort, no issues" with the ankle after practice.
Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is ecstatic about the progress of his quarterback.
"He's so far ahead. When we started out I didn't think I would have him for anything. We're about two or three days into phase two and he's running around. I'm trying to slow him down but he feels good. I'm not surprised at all," Coughlin said.
The Giants, of course, are installing a new offense under the direction of rookie offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, and Manning said "it's very important for me to be out there."
"It's been a learning experience," Manning said. "I like everything. Everything makes sense. It's not perfect. We're at the very early stages. I like where we're heading."
Practice Notes
Here are a few notes from Thursday's workout.
-- First-round pick Odell Beckham Jr. and fourth-round pick Andre Williams missed the workout. They were attending the rookie symposium.
-- Head coach Tom Coughlin said that offensive lineman John Jerry will miss the spring workouts after having a "procedure" on his knee. Jerry was signed as a free agent after playing for the Miami Dolphins last season.
-- Significant? Maybe not, but it was interesting that Manning's first pass of the day was a screen to a running back (sadly, I could not identify the receiver).
-- The starting offensive line was Justin Pugh and Charles Brown at the tackles, Chris Snee and Geoff Schwartz at the guards and J.D. Walton at center. Second-round pick Weston Richburg worked at both center and guard.
-- The offensive play of the day was a sprawling sideline catch by tight end Adrien Robinson of a Curtis Painter pass.
-- Cornerback Charles James intercepted a Ryan Nassib pass intended for Reuben Randle. Rookie safety Nat Behre batted down, and probably should have intercepted, a Josh Freeman pass for Kellen Davis.
-- Running back Peyton Hillis is obviously proud of his muscular arms. Hillis had his jersey sleeves rolled up during practice to show them off, the only player sporting the 'sleeveless' look.