Coughlin encouraged by Manning's progress

Sep 12, 2007 - 9:16 PM EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Wednesday that he is encouraged by the progress that quarterback Eli Manning was making from a shoulder injury.

Manning did not practice Wednesday. However, Coughlin remained optimistic that his starting quarterback would be able to play Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

"He is less sore than he was the day before," Coughlin said. "The swelling is way down. So I'm encouraged by that."

Manning was hurt in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 45-35 season-opening loss at Dallas. He completed 28-of-41 passes for 312 yards and four touchdowns.

Coughlin said that Manning, who had his right shoulder examined by noted orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews, remains day-to-day. Manning has made 42 straight starts, including playoffs.

The Giants have denied a report by ESPN that Manning has a separated shoulder, calling it either a contusion of the A-C joint or a shoulder sprain.

If Manning is unable to go, 285-pound lefthander Jared Lorenzen would make his first career start. Lorenzen took the snaps with the first-team offense in practice Wednesday.