Despite The Rumors, Giants’ Daniel Jones Is Looking To Start Week 1

Giants’ quarterback Daniel Jones made clear that he’s available for week one’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Giants’ quarterback was seen Thursday partaking in individual and 7-on-7 drills and practicing without wearing a knee brace.

“It feels good. But just getting back into the swing of things and playing football against guys moving around, I thought it was good,” he said. 

Jones expressed his confidence in returning to the practice field. He was present during OTAs and hopes to be fully activated by late July.

During the Giants’ matchup versus the Las Vegas Raiders last season, Jones tore his ACL, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.

The Giants considered replacing Jones during the offseason and rumors flew that they considered trading up to the third spot to take UNC’s Drake Maye. However, that didn’t occur, as the Giants took LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers.

Jones wasn’t a fan of the Giants’ moves. “Yeah, I wasn’t fired up about it,” he said. “I don’t think you can take anything personally at this level. How it happened and what happened, I’m not sure I know. I’m focused on playing great football.”

2024’s campaign will mark Jones’ sixth season in the NFL – a make-or-break year for the 26-year-old. This season, the Giants’ quarterback will attempt to prove himself as he struggled in the six games he started in 2023. Jones threw two touchdowns and six interceptions in that span. The Giants acquired Drew Lock via free agency to provide Jones with competition for the starting job.

Head Coach Brian Daboll commented, “He looks good. We’re not putting him in some team stuff, but he’s making progress, so that’s why we got him in 7-on-7.”

Jones remains optimistic regarding an early return. “The goal was to be ready by the first day of training camp, but I’m going to push to be ready soon,” he added. “I have faith in our trainers and coaches.”