New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) holds the ball as he celebrates with New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) and New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) after he intercepted a Philadelphia Eagles pass, Sunday, January 7, 2024.
As he continues his recovery from a torn ACL, New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones will not be participating in team drills during the two-day minicamp, coach Brian Daboll informed reporters on Tuesday. “He’s progressing well and is on track with his recovery,” Daboll said.
“But for now, we’ll keep him out of team activities and focus on getting him ready for training camp.” Whether Jones will be ready for training camp is still uncertain, but Daboll is satisfied with his rehabilitation progress. “We’ll see how it goes,” Daboll added.
“We’ll give him another month, but he’s making good progress.” Jones, 27, had season-ending surgery on his right knee in late November following an injury during a 30-6 loss at Las Vegas on November 5. Jones, who secured a four-year, $160 million contract last offseason, ended the 2023 season with two touchdown passes and six interceptions over six games. He also missed three games due to a neck injury.
Since being drafted sixth overall in 2019, Jones has a record of 22-36-1 as a starter, with 62 touchdown passes and 40 interceptions in 60 games (59 starts). Daboll praised the work of free-agent signee Drew Lock but did not suggest there will be a quarterback competition when Jones returns.
“He understands his role,” Daboll said about Lock. “He’s made significant progress. Learning the position involves a lot of vocabulary and new plays. He’s been in different systems and has been very professional. He’s definitely improved since joining us, and these extra workdays will be beneficial for him, especially since he might not get as many reps during training camp.”
Regarding Darren Waller, who retired over the weekend, Daboll mentioned he spoke with the veteran tight end on Monday and has maintained contact with him since the season ended. “My primary concern with Darren is his well-being as a person,” Daboll said.
“I’m glad he’s doing well. We respect his decision and wish him the best. We’re here for him if he needs anything. That’s the nature of the NFL sometimes.” Though Waller’s retirement at 31 leaves a gap, Daboll is happy with the efforts of first-year tight ends coach Tim Kelly, who is working with Daniel Bellinger and Lawrence Cager.
“They’ve been doing a great job,” Daboll commented. “Tim Kelly has been a great addition to our staff. He leads them well, and they’re all diligent and versatile players. It’s going to make for an exciting training camp.”
