Giants’ Daniel Jones on neck injury: ‘Biggest thing is dealing with contact’
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones says his neck injury is different from the one he suffered in 2021 and he’s already “feeling better.”
That’s a far cry from the ominous update Jones provided reporters earlier this week when he said it “felt similar” to the previous injury, which cost him six games and required a procedure that he said, at the time, was unrelated.
“It’s different than what I’ve dealt with in the past, so just trying to heal up as quickly as possible and follow the advice from the trainers and doctors,” Jones said during an appearance on Up & Adams. “I’m feeling better.”
Jones expressed a similar optimism to head coach Brian Daboll, adding that he’s “doing everything” possible to return this weekend against the Buffalo Bills.
That may be a bit pie in the sky, however.
Although Jones said he was feeling better, he did caution that the injury could become troublesome when it comes to taking hits — something he’s done a lot of in 2023.
“I think the biggest thing is dealing with contact,” he said. “Getting hit in a certain way exposes you. It’s not necessarily what would prevent me from throwing or doing anything I need to do, but taking a similar hit could affect it.”
That’s a rather concerning comment given the offensive line the Giants trot out there every weekend. They’re currently on pace to surrender 326 QB pressures, which would be more than 100 pressures more than any team gave up last season (212). Jones has also taken 28 sacks, which is one behind the league leader, Sam Howell (29).
If absorbing contact is going to create problems for Jones, it may be best for the Giants to keep him shelved. Not only does DJ face endless pressure, but the strongest part of his game comes as a runner where he regularly takes contact.
