Jones noted Monday that he hasn't had any setbacks in his recovery from Nov. 22 surgery to address a right ACL tear, Darryl Slater of The Newark Star-Ledger reports. The report adds that Jones says he's past the neck issue that he dealt with last season prior to hurting his knee, indicating that it was just a stinger. At this stage, the QB is throwing and intends to participate in spring practices in some fashion, with Jones adding that he's aiming be fully cleared for the start of training camp. When healthy, Jones is in line to reclaim his starting role for the Giants, who added fellow signal-caller Drew Lock in free agency and also have Tommy DeVito in the roster. Moreover, it's possible that the team adds depth at the position in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Coach Brian Daboll isn't sure if Jones (knee) will be ready for Week 1 but told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on Saturday that Jones will be "the guy" at quarterback once he's able to play. Daboll made it clear Drew Lock was signed as a backup, though that may entail dominating first-team reps throughout spring practices and into training camp. There's a potential complication for both Jones and Lock in the form of the upcoming NFL Draft, with New York picking sixth overall and perhaps considering a quarterback. On the other hand, an early pick could mean significant help for Jones, as popular mock draft matches at No. 6 include LSU WR Malik Nabers and Notre Dame OT Joe Alt. There are a number of potential hurdles for Jones this upcoming season, starting with his ongoing rehab from Nov. 22 surgery on a torn ACL. Later in the season, future injury guarantees in his contract could end up impacting the Giants' decision on who to start at quarterback, as was the case for Denver and Russell Wilson in 2023.
Jones suffered the season-ending right knee injury in a Nov. 5 loss to the Raiders. The 2024 NFL season is expected to kick off just under 10 months from the date of Jones' surgery, so he has a realistic chance of being fully cleared ahead of Week 1. Despite re-upping with the Giants on a four-year, $160 million contract extension this past spring, Jones may not be viewed as the organization's long-term answer under center after he posted an ugly 2:6 TD:INT in six appearances this season before injuring his knee. The Giants sit at 3-8 on the season heading into Week 11 action and could look to select a new franchise signal-caller with what could be a top-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Jones will have an MRI on Monday to determine the exact nature of the knee injury, but if he's indeed suffered a torn ACL, he would be lost for the season. With Tyrod Taylor (ribs) on injured reserve, the Giants will likely turn to either rookie Tommy DeVito or practice squad quarterback Matt Barkley for at least the next three games.
Jones is dealing with a potentially serious right knee injury after it collapsed on him twice in a few plays spanning the first and second quarters. Prior to his exit, he completed four of nine passes for 25 yards and took two carries for nine yards. Tommy DeVito is the only other healthy quarterback on the active roster with Tyrod Taylor (rib cage) on injured reserve and Matt Barkley on the practice squad.
Jones' right knee collapsed on him twice in the span of a few plays across the first and second quarters. After paying a visit to the sideline medical tent, he was spotted walking slowly to the locker room, but he at least didn't need a cart or any assistance from the team's medical or training staffs to do so. While Jones is sidelined, Tommy DeVito will direct the Giants offense.
In a series of plays spanning the first and second quarters, Jones' right knee collapsed twice as he dropped back. He then needed assistance to get to the sideline, where he received medical attention. The nature and severity of the injury aren't known, but Tommy DeVito entered the contest in place of Jones.
Jones was medically cleared last Sunday but had already been ruled out against the Jets. After getting a full week of practice under his belt, Big Blue's starting quarterback will return for his first action since Week 5 against the Dolphins. With Tyrod Taylor (ribs) ruled out, Jones will be backed up by Tommy DeVito.
This is the second report Saturday that suggested Jones could make a return from a multi-game absence due to a serious neck injury sooner rather than later. Head coach Brian Daboll will likely shed more insight next week after preferring not to answer questions regarding the status of Jones, not just for Week 8, but for the entire season, during Friday's meeting with reporters. In the immediate future, Tyrod Taylor will once against start for a Giants offense that has finally started to show some life after a dormant start to the 2023 campaign.