The New York Giants received a significant boost on Wednesday as head coach Brian Daboll announced that quarterback Daniel Jones has been cleared to participate in 11-on-11 drills. This marks a crucial step in Jones’ recovery from the torn ACL he suffered last season.
Speaking to reporters, Daboll emphasized the cautious approach the team will take with Jones’ return to full action.
“We’ll monitor how he feels and decide the next steps from there,” Daboll said, via ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
Daniel Jones has been cleared for 11-on-11 drills. “He’s getting all the reps” with the ones, Daboll said.
— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) July 24, 2024
Jones is just eight months removed from ACL surgery, having sustained the injury in Week 9 of the 2023 season against the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite the severe setback, the Duke product has been optimistic about his recovery. In late May, Jones declared himself ready to go for Week 1, and by mid-June, he expressed confidence in regaining his full mobility before the start of the regular season.
Jones’ optimism and determination come on the heels of a challenging year. After a career-best 2022 season, where he totaled 22 touchdowns (seven rushing) against just five interceptions and posted a 92.5 passer rating, Jones signed a lucrative four-year, $160 million contract extension in March 2023. However, his 2023 campaign was marred by injuries and inconsistent performance.
The 2019 first-round pick missed three games (Weeks 6, 7, and 8) due to a neck injury. His return in Week 9 was short-lived as he suffered the season-ending ACL injury. Jones finished the season with a career-high 67.5% completion rate but struggled otherwise, accumulating only 909 passing yards, two touchdowns, six interceptions, and a career-worst 70.5 passer rating.
Despite the setbacks, Jones remains focused on his comeback. His involvement in 11-on-11 drills is a significant milestone, and his goal of being ready for Week 1 appears within reach.
“I think I’ll regain my full mobility before September,” Jones said confidently in June.
The Giants are hopeful that a healthy Jones can replicate his 2022 form and lead the team to success in the upcoming season. As they prepare for the 2024 campaign, all eyes will be on Jones’ progress and his ability to return to peak performance.
