Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: NFC Divisional Round-New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
(East Rutherford, NJ) – Although Monday’s weather is seasonal and entirely appropriate for a spring day in New York City, sports fans have autumn on the mind – specifically the upcoming NFL season – as the Giants were back at their team facility to start off the week.
The New York Giants voluntary offseason program is underway, and that means players are in town for workouts, and coaches are speaking to the media.
Head coach Brian Daboll got on a virtual call with reporters and addressed starting QB Daniel Jones, who missed most of the 2023-2024 season with various injuries. Daboll says things are moving in the right direction on that front: “It’s Day 1 of Phase 1. I’d say he’s making progress,” Daboll said. “I don’t want to say further ahead or behind. He’s doing everything that we need him to do, hitting it head on, and he’s making strides.”
Jones dealt with a neck injury before tearing his right ACL, which ended his season. Jones says the neck injury is behind him, describing it as a relatively common “stinger” that calms down with rest. “My neck is 100 percent healthy,” said Jones.
“Rehab is going well. I’m making good progress, coming along. Obviously, spending a lot of time with the trainers here and strength staff. I feel like things are going well.”
The Giants have been rumored to be eyeing a QB with the 6th overall pick in this month’s draft. That would allow the team to reset the “clock” at the position, given Jones is earning big money on his current contract. He could theoretically be cut after this coming season, because the deal has no more guaranteed money beyond that. But Jones sounds most focused on his rehab: “The plan is to be ready to go by training camp… that’s what I’m shooting for and feel good about being ready.”
Asked if he’s still the man for the job, Jones said “I do, yes.” And as for the club potentially drafting his replacement? “It’s the nature of our business,” Jones admitted. “It’s a competitive league. The best way to handle that is to focus on what I’m doing.”
Jones will leave the mock drafts and the speculation to the experts. But chances are he’d be more than happy with the Giants filling out one of the top wide receivers on the draft card at #6. Someone like Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, or Marvin Harrison Jr. (should be unexpectedly fall) would immediately become the best pass catcher Jones has played with in New York.
