QB MANNING SHAKES BUG, RETURNS TO GIANTS

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was back at practice Thursday after missing part of Wednesday’s workout with “a stomach bug.” Neither Manning nor coach Tom Coughlin were saying how Manning felt or discussed his status for Sunday’s NFC title game against the 49ers in San Francisco. Manning’s inclusion on the Giants’ injury report Wednesday marked for the first time this season that he missed any work. The Giants seemingly were not concerned about Manning’s illness. Guard and close friend Chris Snee said Manning is the one person on the team who could afford to miss a workout.