New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has a slightly separated shoulder which is expected to keep him out at least a month, sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Monday.
Doctors told the team that Manning does not need surgery, but the quarterback will get a second opinion from orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.
Manning and coach Tom Coughlin denied that the quarterback
had a separated shoulder.
"I don't know where that report comes from. I don't know
where the information supposedly was found," Coughlin said, adding
"We are just going to have to see how it is -- whether he can practice and play on a daily basis."
As for the month, Coughlin responded, "Quite frankly, if it is not possible this week, then it will be another week."
It was feared that Manning also had torn his labrum in Sunday night's 45-35 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but an MRI determined that was not the case, sources said.
Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon said that Manning suffered a contusion of the AC joint and he is day-to-day.
Hanlon added: "Don't be shocked if you see him playing on Sunday."
Manning also downplayed the injury on Monday.
"It's just a bruised shoulder," he said. "It's just a little sore right now."
Top
defensive player, end Osi Umenyiora, and the Giants' new starting running
back, Brandon Jacobs also left the game on Sunday -- with knee injuries. And backup cornerback Kevin Dockery left the game late in the
third quarter with a right ankle injury.
The Giants announced on Monday that Umenyiora has an irritation to the lateral meniscus of his left knee. His status is also day-to-day and he will be re-evaluated later in the week.
Jacobs sprained the MCL of his right knee, the team said. He will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
The results of the MRI on Dockery's ankle were not available as of 5 p.m. on Monday.
Manning threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Derrick Ward with 7:20
left that got New York within 38-28. He was hurt on the failed two-point conversion attempt when he was hit by linebacker Anthony Spencer.
Manning
followed with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress, their
third connection of the night, to make it 38-35.
After Dallas scored again, Manning didn't return.
Manning's shoulder will be iced and get electrical stimulation
over the next two days. The Giants start practicing for the Packers
on Wednesday.
"Everything is probably as good as it can be from the test
results," Manning said of the injury to the top of his shoulder.
"It's just a matter of when do you have the strength and when do
you feel you can throw it full strength, and you'll be out there
playing."
Jared Lorenzen, who finished up in the Giants' final series,
will start if Manning can't go Sunday.
Derrick Ward will start for Jacobs with Reuben Droughns
getting more time as his backup. The Giants are considering
moving linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end if Umenyiora takes
a while to heal.
To bolster their depleted roster, on Monday the Giants signed tackle Russell Davis, a nine-year veteran who has played for Chicago, Arizona and Seattle.
Davis, 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, was most recently with the Seahawks, who released him on Sept. 4. He has played in 104 games with 83 starts and recorded 348 tackles (212 solo), 11½ sacks, nine passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Chris Mortensen covers the NFL for ESPN. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.