Giants Thursday Headlines

Manningham was forced out of Monday night’s 21-3 victory over the Vikings with a hip flexor injury that prevented him from taking the field after halftime. He’s receiving treatment for the injury and is assuring everyone he will play Sunday in the NFC East showdown with the Eagles.

“I’ll be all right,’’ Manningham said Wednesday. “Trust me, I’ll be good to go Sunday at 1 o’clock.’’

The Giants get a second crack on Sunday at stopping the quarterback sensation that Michael Vick has become this season, and if this encounter is anything like the first, expect plenty of heat.

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles are just going to come right out and say it: They hope Eli Manning throws the ball early and often Sunday.

Though that might seem like a odd wish for a quarterback with a Super Bowl ring, Manning’s blizzard of turnovers this season — 19 interceptions and five lost fumbles — has the Eagles crossing their fingers that Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride’s game plan is filled with pass plays this weekend.

A loss to the Eagles wouldn’t end the Giants’ season, but there’s certainly a lot of importance that’s been placed on this game. Given the pressure and the Eagles’ recent dominance in this series, one can certainly wonder if the Giants would get nervous down the stretch of a close game.

Victor Cruz made a rare appearance in the locker room on Wednesday and the rookie said his hamstring injury is nearly healed.

The rookie preseason sensation wishes he was eligible to come back soon with Steve Smith now out for the year with a knee injury. Cruz said he has looked at the rash of injuries to the wide receivers unit and wishes he could help.