After losing backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor, the Giants got good news on their starter, Daniel Jones.
Per multiple reports on Monday, Big Blue cleared Jones for contact at practice this week, potentially putting him in line to start Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon.
Jones had missed the last three games after suffering a neck injury during a Week 5 loss to the Miami Dolphins. This has been a lingering issue — he suffered the same injury during the 2021 season, which ended his campaign early. While the 26-year-old was adamant that this year’s injury wasn’t nearly as severe, he was dealing with weakness on his left (non-throwing) side.
Per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, Jones was examined prior to the Giants’ 13-10 loss to the Jets on Sunday and subsequently cleared, then watched from the sidelines as Taylor — who started each of the last three games — suffered a ribs injury midway through the second quarter that took him out of the game. He was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
In his place stepped third-stringer Tommy DeVito, an undrafted free agent who was elevated from New York’s practice squad and forced to make his NFL debut against an imposing Jets defense. Conservative Giants playcalling withheld him from throwing the ball until overtime when he attempted four passes — all of which traveled for two yards or fewer.
Jones’ elevation in status at least provides the promise of the Giants not having to trot DeVito out again on Sunday against the Raiders — though they could foray into the free-agent market for a more experienced option for insurance purposes given Jones will still have to prove throughout this week that he’ll be ready to go on Sunday.
The potential return at least provides a glimmer of hope for an offense that has been stuck in neutral all season. While Jones dealt with a patchwork offensive line that kept him on the run this season, they’ve improved in recent weeks with Taylor under center; though the backup appeared to manage pressure better than Jones, who threw for 884 yards with two touchdowns and six interceptions before going down.
