The New York Giants received good news regarding the health of their quarterback on the first day of training camp, as head coach Brian Daboll announced that Daniel Jones is cleared to play and is taking snaps with the first team unit in camp (h/t Giants.com’s Dan Salomone).
Jones had previously said at the start of OTA’s that he wasn’t restricted in 7-on-7 drills and felt that he was “in a good spot” in his rehab from a torn ACL suffered in a game against the Las Vegas Raiders last season. Being cleared for training camp is a massive step towards his availability for the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 8.
Staying healthy will be key for Daniel Jones to bounce back
After suffering that torn ACL halfway through last season, there was uncertainty that Jones would be healthy in time for the start of the 2024 season, but it would appear that he has recovered quickly enough to be cleared just in time. The team passed up on the idea of drafting a quarterback this year, putting their full faith in Jones to bounce back and stay healthy. New York signed backup Drew Lock to a one-year deal as insurance at the start of free agency.
Injuries have followed Jones throughout his NFL career, with 2022 being the only healthy season he has endured, missing time with ankle and hamstring injuries in 2020 and a neck injury in 2021. Last season, he missed about a month with a neck injury prior to suffering the ACL tear, resulting in him playing just six games for the entire season, the lowest of his career. Jones struggled in the games he did play, throwing just two touchdown passes and six interceptions. The Giants were 1-5 in games he started.
Jones was a full participant during the Giants’ first day of training camp on Wednesday. He participated in 11-on-11 drills and made plays with his legs, escaping the pocket and firing passes downfield.
- Vikings LB clowns Giants’ offense ahead of Week 1 clash: ‘Ain’t even gonna be no matchup’
- Giants’ 3 new offensive linemen could change the course of the 2024 season
- Giants’ 2nd-year cornerback is hyped for matchup against Vikings All-Pro WR
The Giants are hopeful Jones can return to his 2022 form
The fact that Jones stayed healthy in 2022 led to his lone period of success in the league, as the Giants made the postseason with a 9-7-1 record and defeated the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card game. Those performances were rewarded with a four-year, $160 million contract, a contract which seemed like an albatross following last season. Heading into this season, the Giants will hope that he can remain on the field while also performing at a high level.
2024 is a big year for Jones, as his on-field performance will largely determine his future with the organization. The Giants were keen on getting him some help for this make-or-break season, signing Jon Runyan and Jermaine Eluemunor to beef up the offensive line and drafting wide receiver Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick.
A lot can change as the season progresses, but right now all signs are pointing in a direction that gives Giants fans hope that their quarterback can make a name for himself this season.
