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Backing up Eli Manning: The idle life behind the NFL’s most durable QB

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Having won one of the more hotly contested battles of Giants training camp, Geno Smith was busy accepting some hearty handshakes and heartfelt congratulations in front of his locker this week, a bevy of good wishes from teammates delighted to see Smith earn the opportunity to continue writing this new chapter of his NFL life.

But here’s the question no one would ask out loud: Is it really a good career move to back up Eli Manning?

Because let’s be honest — being the No. 2 quarterback of the Giants is like being the NFL’s invisible man.