The last time Daniel Jones took the field knowing he might be crushed by the opposing team’s defense was on Nov. 5 when he collapsed in Las Vegas and tore his right anterior cruciate ligament, ending his 2023 season.
Following a lengthy rehabilitation following reconstructive surgery, Jones had a smooth spring and entered the summer without any setbacks, needing to miss training camp or needed a breather.
The next step in his recovery and return will be Saturday as the starting quarterback in the Giants’ second preseason game.
Jones won’t be wearing the red “no contact” jersey, so he’ll be a target if Texans players have a chance to target him.
“Yeah, I don’t think it’s any different than any other year,” Jones said after practice Thursday. “I think it’s just the first hit of the season and then coming back after some rest, maybe a little bit longer than normal. But I’m not too worried about the first hit as far as the knee and anything like that. But just like the preseason and the first contact of the year, I think that hit just makes you feel like you’re back in football again.”
The first shocks will come eventually, but Jones is no masochist.
He’s not looking forward to it.
“Well, I’m never going to get hit,” he said with a laugh.
Other than the fact that Jones was wearing a black sleeve on his right leg, there was no indication that he was returning from a significant injury.
He looks as quick as ever when he starts and runs, and his cutting ability doesn’t seem impaired.
His accuracy wasn’t where it needed to be at the start of training camp, but it’s likely improving as Jones strengthens his legs and gets more comfortable planting with his right foot.
More than eight months after surgery, Jones is back playing in a tackle-heavy game.
“I don’t think I’ll be thinking too much about the knee,” he said. “I think I’ve tested it. I’ve tested it in practice, I’ve tested it in rehab and training, and I think it’s in good shape. So I’m pretty confident that the knee is OK. I don’t think I’ll be too worried about it.”
“It’s going to be good to have him out there in some preseason games and direct our offense,” head coach Brian Daboll said.
The goal is to move the ball, get in the end zone and stay healthy for the duration of Jones’ game at NRG Stadium — whether that means a few series, a first quarter, whatever it may be.
“Yeah, that’s the plan,” offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said, “We’ll put Daniel in the first group with all 11 guys, get a feel for everybody – the offensive line, the receivers – and continue to practice together. We’ve been practicing well all through camp, so this is another opportunity to get some live-fire practice in the preseason.”
Jones handled the increased competition calmly during practice sessions with the Lions, but he was never in danger of being touched, much less sacked.
This will likely be Jones’ only preseason game — he likely won’t play in the final game against the Jets — so this will be his best audition before the season opener against the Vikings on Sept. 8.
“Well, I think I’ve gotten a little faster,” Jones said. “And the pass rush is real. You’re going to get a pass rush in the game, so you just have to feel it and be aware of it, but I think it translates to getting the ball out on time and moving well in the pocket. Everything that you work on in practice is going to be tested in the game where you might get a pass rush.”
Jones was adamant he would return this summer without missing anything, and that belief has proven correct.
He can speak calmly about the many responsibilities that come with being the Giants’ starting quarterback, but acknowledged that getting back into the game is special for him.
“I’m excited,” Jones said. “I’m looking forward to going out there again, going through my pre-game routine, going out there and playing in front of a crowd. I think it’s all going to be exciting, so I’m looking forward to doing it again.”
