New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is back on the field practicing during OTAs, confident he will be ready for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, despite tearing the ACL in his right knee late last year.
Jones participated in individual and 7-on-7 drills Thursday, just six months after his knee injury in a November game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
“It feels good. It felt good out there [Thursday],” Jones said. “But just getting back in the swing of things and playing football against a defense, against guys moving around. I thought it was good [Thursday]. Continue to kind of progress and continue to work on things.”
Jones aims to be cleared for the start of training camp in late July. He has been present for all three voluntary OTA practices this week and is moving well without a knee brace.
“His movement skills have been good,” said coach Brian Daboll before practice.
Given his progress, Jones is confident about being ready for the season opener. “No, I don’t have any doubt about it right now,” he said.
Last month, the Giants considered trading into the top three of the NFL draft for quarterback Drake Maye. However, the New England Patriots selected Maye at pick No. 3, giving Jones a reprieve.
“Yeah, I wasn’t fired up about it,” Jones chuckled. “I think it’s part of it at this level. What I can do is focus on myself, getting healthy and playing the best football I can.”
The Giants texted Jones before their first-round pick, ultimately selecting LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers at No. 6 to support Jones.
Jones emphasized focusing on playing good football. “I don’t think you can take anything personally at this level,” he said. “At the end of the day, I’m focused on playing good football.”
The Giants signed Jones to a four-year, $160 million deal last offseason, but they can reasonably exit the deal after this season.
“Yeah, I feel good about where we’re going,” Jones said. “I feel good about this team, and my job is to get healthy and play good football.”
The Giants are encouraged by Jones’ progress. He was practicing on the indoor turf at the team’s facility on Thursday, even after rain forced them inside.
“He looks good,” Daboll said. “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 feels optimistic about his recovery and potential early clearance. “Just continue day by day with the process,” he said. “I think we’re in a good spot. Obviously, the goal was to be ready to go by the first day of training camp, but I’m going to push to be ready as soon as possible. I have a lot of trust and faith in our trainers and coaches.”
—
Photo Credit: Sergey Nivens / Shutterstock.com