New York Giants’ Daniel Jones feeling better, aims to play vs. Jets

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has set a goal to play against the New York Jets this Sunday at MetLife Stadium but his return is far from guaranteed.

Appearing on Up & Adams with Kay Adams during his weekly spot on Tuesday, Jones implied that he’s not yet cleared for contact.

“I’m feeling good. Getting better,” Jones said. “Doing everything I can to get back out there. Feeling good, just trying to do everything the doctors and trainers tell me to do. I’m feeling better.

“I’m able to do everything I need to do from a running, throwing, lifting standpoint. It’s mostly a contact thing, like I’ve said, proving that I can handle that.”

Jones was a limited participant in all three Giants practices a week ago but was unable to get full clearance by kickoff against Washington. The team will return to practice on Wednesday morning and expectations are that DJ will again be limited (non-contact).

If Jones is forced to sit out against the New York Jets, he will again have to watch veteran Tyrod Taylor fill his role. And so long as the team has success, that’s perfectly fine with DJ.

“Certainly enjoy watching [Taylor] play and he’s played well, made a lot of big plays for us, big win for us on Sunday,” Jones said. “I enjoyed watching his success. I know how hard he works and how much he puts into it to play that well. As a competitor you want to be on the field, you want to be out there but happy for him, happy for our team.”

Taylor has played admirably in Jones’ absence, largely avoiding some of the pitfalls that handcuffed Jones earlier this season. The offensive line has improved after cutting down on “overcommunication,” as Justin Pugh alluded, while the coaches have given increased snaps to the likes of Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson.

The return of running back Saquon Barkley and matchups against weaker defenses hasn’t hurt, either.