Eli Manning: Playing elsewhere “not something I’m thinking about”

Eli Manning might not have a future with the New York Giants, who have signaled by trading defensive starters Eli Apple and Damon Harrison for draft picks that they are more focused on their future than their present. Manning, though, continues to insist that playing elsewhere is not on his mind.

“It’s just not something I’m thinking about,” Manning said Wednesday evening. “I’m thinking about playing for the Giants this week against the Washington Redskins. That’s the mindset, and I haven’t brought myself to think about another scenario.

With the Oct. 30 trade deadline less than a week away, just another reminder that the 15-year veteran and two-time Super Bowl MVP has a full no-trade clause.

Manning was asked if the trades signaled to players that the team has shifted its focus away from the present.

“It’s our job as players to worry about this season and do our job, and go prepare each week, and go play the games, and win football games,” he said. “That’s all we can do. We’re not worried about next year or next week. We’re worried about today, and these next couple of days getting ready for Washington.

“I think the mindset just has to be worried about trying to get a win this week. Just staying committed, staying strong, and keep fighting through this. We’ve got to stay together. We’re getting a little bit better. We’re close, we’ve played in some close games. If we just keep grinding, things will start going our way.”