EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Big Apple’s football rivalry heats up, but the New York Giants face a daunting challenge as their star quarterback, Daniel Jones bows out of the upcoming clash with the New York Jets due to a neck injury. Coach Brian Daboll’s recent remarks have cast a shadow of uncertainty over Jones’s return, a stark contrast to his more optimistic stance just a fortnight ago.
Veteran Tyrod Taylor steps up to fill the void left by Jones. Just a couple of weeks ago, Daboll confidently suggested that Jones’s season wasn’t over. Yet, now, his responses carry a hint of doubt. “Jones is on a path to recovery. We’re hopeful for next week. But predicting injuries? That’s not my forte,” Daboll remarked.
Pressed on his shift from assertiveness, Daboll admitted, “Indeed, there’s a change in tone.”
Navigating through the delicate territory of injuries, Daboll emphasized, “I rely on the updates I receive. As of now, he’s recuperating. The upcoming week will be telling.”
This isn’t the first time Jones has grappled with a neck injury. Memories of the 2021 season, where he sat out the last six games due to a similar issue, are still fresh. Although sources pointed to a disc injury, Jones vehemently asserts this isn’t a recurrence.
Despite his injury, Jones remains an active participant during practice sessions, handling scout team responsibilities. Yet, the green signal for contact play eludes him.
While Jones acknowledges he isn’t fully symptom-free, the key lies in acing the medical evaluations for an official clearance.
Daboll, backed by the Giants’ management, reiterates their faith in Jones, affirming his position as the first-choice quarterback upon recovery.
In the interim, Taylor has proven to be a reliable asset. His current stats boast a commendable 66% pass completion rate without a single turnover.
It’s noteworthy that Jones, at just 26, entered into a lucrative four-year contract worth $160 million with the Giants earlier this year, underlining the franchise’s trust in his capabilities.