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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning - Source: Reuters -
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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning's sore left heel is improving and he cannot wait to go back to New Orleans to take on the Saints this weekend, he said on Tuesday.
The 5-0 Giants play the 4-0 Saints on Monday in the Superdome, a few miles from where Manning grew up and where his father Archie played quarterback for the NFL team.
"It is always fun to go to your hometown and play a game especially since I was a Saints fan growing up," Manning told reporters.
"I am excited about the opportunity to go in there and get to play in the Superdome (for the first time). The Saints are playing extremely well this year ... it should be a great atmosphere."
Manning was unsure if he would take the field for last Sunday's game against Oakland but he played most of the first half in the 44-7 rout of the Raiders.
After completing 8-of-10 passes including two touchdown throws, Manning watched the rest of the game from the sidelines.
"It feels good. I am able to move around and I didn't have a setback," he said. "It felt like it is getting better every day."
Manning is optimistic about getting in a full week of practice ahead of the game at the Superdome where his father also did TV commentary of Saints games.
"He was announcing games when I was growing up so (I have) a lot of fond memories going to Saints games with my brothers," he said.
"A place where you grew up a Saints fan, you've been into the stadium so many times and to get to play there is something you look forward to.
"Their defense is playing outstanding. Their offense is very explosive, they score a lot of points. It is a big game and they are playing very well this year," added Manning.
