Eli on Giants' injury report, says it's formality

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) Eli Manning is on the New York Giants' injury report for the first time in more than two years and seems to be embarrassed by it.

He says it's a formality and he practiced as usual on Wednesday.

''I don't know if I really deserve to be on an injury report,'' Manning said. ''They kind of told me they had to list something, so I said: `OK' I really can't control that.''

The Giants reported that Manning had a back injury, marking the first time the 33-year-old quarterback has been on the list since developing a stomach bug a couple days before the NFC championship game against San Francisco in January 2012.

Manning, who has started 164 straight games - NFL's longest active streak - said his inclusion was to comply with the NFL's rules on reporting injuries.

''If I was truly injured that would be fine,'' Manning said. ''I don't consider myself injured now.''

Manning spent a little extra time in the trainer's room following the Giants 36-7 win over Tennessee Sunday. He took the majority of snaps at practice for Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins.

''I feel good. Coach wanted to take a few reps off. It won't limit me in my practices for the week or the game,'' he said.

Manning has played through a lot of injuries in his 11 years in the league, with a foot injury in 2009 the most serious in recent years. He sprained one of his ankles in the final game of last season, but had the entire offseason to get better.

''I want to be there for my teammates. I want to be there for the organization,'' he said. ''I know we have a lot of guys who are banged up and hurting, but they are there practicing, they are there playing on Sundays.''

Most of Manning teammates did not know he was on the injury report.

''Never worry about that guy,'' fullback Henry Hynoski said.

NOTES: Rookie LB Devon Kennard was named the NFC defensive player of the week after recording two sacks, a forced fumble that resulted in a touchdown and six tackles against Tennessee. ... LB Jameel McClain (knee), LB Jacquian Williams (concussion/shoulder) and OT James Brewer (concussion) did not practice Wednesday. ...DE Jason Pierre-Paul, who has a team-high seven sacks, will be a free agent after this season. He has not discussed a new contract with the team. ''If I can stay here, I would love to be a Giant for life. Who knows how it is going to fall out?'' he said.

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