Tom Brady will not be playing against the Giants on Thursday.
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The Giants wrap up their extended preseason campaign Thursday night by playing host to the Patriots.
Metro takes a look at three things to watch for in the preseason finale (7:30 p.m., NBC4).
1. Still starting
The Giants will still be playing Eli Manning and the first-team off ense “15 to 18 plays,” according to head coach Tom Coughlin. And yes, he still hopes to see some production from the starters. Manning finally reeled off a good drive at the end of the first half against the Jets last week, but it was all out of the no-huddle. Let’s see if they can do it from the base offense against the Pats.
2. Rest for the weary
While Manning will be playing Thursday, his opposite Super Bowl-winning quarterback will not. Tom Brady has reportedly been given the night off by former Giants assistant Bill Belichick. The 37-year-old missed the first preseason game as well, but they apparently aren’t worried about rustiness come Week 1. It does mean Brady won’t get to work with his new offensive line, however. Veteran offensive lineman Logan Mankins was traded this week, and won’t be protecting Brady for the first time since 2005.
3. Who’s the ‘Mann’?
The final preseason game always brings competition for the final roster spots. It’s unlikely Mario Manningham thought he’d have to be fighting so hard for his position. The Super Bowl hero has been completely absent so far this preseason with just two catches for 22 yards. The ascension of Corey Washington means Manningham is very much on the bubble. Manningham may benefit from Marcus Harris being out for the season, though.
Follow Metro New York Sports Editor Mark Osborne on Twitter @MetroNYSports.
