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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – New York Giants Coach Pat Shurmur would not be fully committed to Eli Manning being the starting quarterback for their next game against San Francisco 49ers.
The Giants have a face this week before playing on the road against the 49ers (1-7) the following Monday night.
"We'll see," Shurmur said of Manning remaining the starter for that game. "But, yeah, I think I'm going to be a quarterback." I did say, again I know what you're trying to do. So that's where it's at. "
Shurmur reiterated the team is going to evaluate everything during the week when it comes to making significant changes. The Giants (1-7) are tied with the 49ers for the worst record in the NFL.
If the Giants made a switch at quarterback, it would likely be rookie Kyle Lauletta starting even though he has not dressed for a game this season. Lauletta is a fourth-round pick of Richmond.
Shurmur and the Giants would have 14 days to get Lauletta ready for the 49ers if they decide to make the move. Their two games are against San Francisco and Tampa Bay, two teams in the bottom half of the league defensively.
Lauletta has been running the scout team in recent weeks. Shurmur said Monday that he has been getting some practice reps.
Manning has eight touchdown passes in eight games this season. He has already been sacked 31 times, has the Giants' offense has struggled badly to score points.
The two-time Super Bowl winner still remains optimistic he will be against the 49ers. He has not been informed otherwise.
"I hope so," Manning said. "That's what the coach is doing in the bye week, you're evaluating everything."
Manning seems to understand that there is a draft pick waiting in the wings. He knows the possibilities with the much younger Lauletta in the quarterback room.
"I've always been a team player, and I'm told," Manning said to get Lauletta game experience. "I'm waiting for you, I'm told differently."
Shurmur did not seem willing to make any decisions at this point. He's going to be part of an internal self-evaluation process this week. He said there was no need for a quarterback change.
The Giants, who started unloading players last week, are averaging 18.8 points per game. Manning, 37, has been undercover for every offense snap this season.
"Eli is our quarterback and we have to do what we can to help him be better," Shurmur said. "There is certainly a handful of plays where it is better than that.
"Like I said, we'll look at all things."
The Giants are walking a fine line. They're trying to compete on a weekly basis while not putting too much focus on the future.
"We're trying to do what we can to win this season, and certainly you can not do that," Shurmur said. "It's hard to look at things in the long run, but what's important is we try to put the effort on the field to the 49ers."
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