The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
QUITE THE CROSSOVER
Celtics’ superstar Thomas takes in Patriots practice in Foxborough
Isaiah Thomas, right, of the Boston Celtics stands with a fan for a selfie following a joint football practice between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New England Patriots Monday in Foxborough, Mass.
Eli Manning didn’t play a lot in the preseason a year ago for the New York Giants and that may not change this year.
Manning appeared in two of the four preseason games in 2016 and threw 38 passes before leading the Giants to an 11-5 record and their first playoff appearance since the 2011 Super Bowl season.
Neither coach Ben McAdoo nor Manning shed any news on how much Manning will play Friday when the Giants open the preseason at MetLife Stadium against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Manning did not play in either the first or last preseason game in 2016 so don’t be surprised if he stands on the sideline and watches Geno Smith, Josh Johnson and rookie Davis Webb play.
“We haven’t had our playtime meeting yet,” McAdoo said Monday after the Giants were forced to practice indoors because of rain.
Manning wondered what the coach said when asked about Friday. He laughed when someone said the coach left it up to him, but said he did not know the answer.
“I think I got enough action over the last 14 years to get me ready for the upcoming season,” the 36-year-old, two-time Super Bowl MVP said.
Enunwa out
New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa has a bulging disk in his neck that will likely require surgery and sideline him for the entire season.
Coach Todd Bowles said that Enunwa will seek a second opinion, but the receiver is facing a recovery time of 6 to 9 months. The injury is not considered career-threatening, but he will be placed on injured reserve.
Enunwa, projected as the Jets’ No. 1 receiver, was hurt Saturday night during practice at MetLife Stadium. Bowles said the injury initially appeared similar to the one that held Enunwa out during spring workouts.
With Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker cut during the offseason, it appeared Enunwa would be given the opportunity to lead an inexperienced receiving corps. He has 80 career catches for 1,172 yards and four touchdowns over two seasons.
Wilfork retires
Former New England and Houston defensive tackle Vince Wilfork announced his retirement from the NFL in a barbecue commercial, a fitting farewell for a big guy who loved to eat.
Wilfork tweeted a video showing him un-taping his ankles, hanging up his cleats and grabbing grilling tongs. The video then shows the 35-year-old defender dancing, cooking ribs and smoking a cigar while wearing his trademark overalls.
“No more cleats,” he says. “I’m moving on to smoke meats, fellas. Peace out. I’m outta here. Later.”
The video ends by noting that “Vince’s Farewell Tailgate” will take place Sept. 7 in New England. The defending Super Bowl champions open the season that Thursday night against Kansas City.