New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has progressed well in his injury rehab, and he expects to be ready for training camp later this summer as he participates in OTAs.
“I’m not restricted at all,” Jones said (h/t Giants.com). “I would say [I am] about where I hoped to be. We’ve done a good job kind of adjusting the schedule based off of what I’m able to do. Every week I’m able to do a little bit more. The schedule can change or progress kind of as I’m progressing, which I think has been the right way to do it. I feel good. I think I’m in a good spot.”
Daniel Jones’ 2023 season led to difficult conversations for the Giants
Jones’s 2023 season was marred with injuries. He suffered a torn ACL last November in a game against the Las Vegas Raiders, which immediately followed a neck injury that kept him sidelined for a month prior to the ACL injury. The injury troubles combined with his struggles in on-field production left some speculation that New York would draft a quarterback with their sixth overall pick, something Jones publicly admitted he “wasn’t fired up about.”
The Giants ultimately went wide receiver in the first round, taking LSU standout Malik Nabers, who some consider to be the best receiver in this year’s draft class. Evidenced by not taking a quarterback in any rounds of this year’s draft, the Giants still are holding out some faith that Jones can return to his 2022 form (or better) now that he has a reliable target to throw to.
“I’m fired up to get Malik,” Jones said. “I watched some of his tape in college. He’s a dynamic, dynamic player. I was fired up to see that we got him. It’s been fun getting to work with him.”
Jones will need to turn it around in 2024
The Giants had a poor passing offense last season, thanks in part to Jones’ injury but also lackluster production from every aspect of the offense. The team ranked 28th in passing touchdowns, 31st in passing yards, and was sacked 85 times (most in the NFL).
Jones played in six games and recorded just two passing touchdowns and had a team-worst 70.5 quarterback rating. Being able to return from injury is the most important step, but after that, it will be all focused on retooling his game to become a more efficient passer.
Given that he will be entering the second year of a four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, staying healthy and playing at a high level will both be the top priorities heading into the season. After it looked like he passed his first “prove it” year back in 2022, he now has found himself in almost the exact same position as he did entering that season.
If he can turn things around and avoid any serious injuries, then that will be massive for the Giants going forward if they wish to have any future success.