Daniel Jones injury update: Giants' QB is not practicing Wednesday due to sore neck
EAST RUTHERFORD - Daniel Jones' availability for Sunday night's game against the Buffalo Bills suddenly appears in serious jeopardy.
The New York Giants' quarterback did not Wednesday after sustaining a neck injury in the team's most recent loss, 31-16, last Sunday to the Miami Dolphins.
Giants coach Brian Daboll had expressed optimism that Jones would have a chance to play earlier in the week, and Jones shared in that sentiment Tuesday during an interview with Kay Adams on the "Up and Adams" Show.
But Wednesday morning, Daboll said Jones' neck was feeling more sore than the day before, so the team is holding him out. He would not provide any more details regarding Jones' status, only to say he is "day to day."
Jones talked to reporters at his locker after practice during the media interview period and insisted his plan has not changed - he is preparing to play Sunday. That does not mean he will, of course.
"My goal is to play on Sunday," Jones said. "So I’m going to continue to improve day-by-day and trying to focus on that and what’s immediately in front of me and how I can get there best. So, that’s where I’m focused."
Giants backup QB Tyrod Taylor gets to work
Tyrod Taylor took the first-team reps in Wednesday's practice. Rookie Tommy DeVito is the only other quarterback on the roster, and he's on the practice squad. Daboll said the Giants will keep their options open regarding the possibility of DeVito serving as the backup, which would require a game day elevation or being added to the 53-man roster, or whether they will consider signing a veteran free agent.
"I don't think it's any different for me," Taylor said. "My mindset each and every day is to come in and challenge myself to be better, lead, and when my opportunity is presented in front of me, to go out and make the best of it."
Daboll was complimentary Wednesday of what DeVito, a North Jersey native, has been able to show since arriving with the Giants in the spring as an undrafted free agent. He did not close the door on potentially adding a veteran quarterback to the mix. Matt Barkley was with Daboll for three years in Buffalo and is currently a free agent, so if the Giants go that route, he could be a quarterback who comes in and gets up to speed relatively quickly on short notice.
DeVito took all of the scout team reps Wednesday, and told NorthJersey.com that he will be ready if circumstances provide an opportunity to contribute on the active roster on game day.
"Whatever the coaches have planned for me, I'm prepare to do that to the best of my ability," DeVito said, adding that he has not been told either way what that role will be beyond Wednesday.
Saquon Barkley injury update
Star running back Saquon Barkley will continue his quest to return from the high ankle sprain that has cost him the last three games, but Daboll would not commit to Barkley playing Sunday night against the Bills.
More Giants' injury news
Jones' absence is not the only one of concern for the Giants. Star left tackle Andrew Thomas has not played since Week 1 due to his hamstring injury, and he will not practice Wednesday. Also, tight end Darren Waller has a groin injury suffered against the Dolphins and he will not practice.
The Giants are working out free agent offensive lineman La'el Collins later Wednesday. They signed tackle Yodny Cajuste to the practice squad on Wednesday after he passed his physical. Veteran Justin Pugh joined the team last week, and while the initial expectation was that he would need extended time to acclimate back to action - he suffered a torn ACL last October and has been out of football since then - Daboll indicated Pugh would get more team work Wednesday and could be an option to play Sunday night depending on how he performs.
Check back here for more on this developing story.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Daniel Jones injury update: Giants' QB not practicing Wednesday due to sore neck
