It sounds as if the Giants got a break — do they ever need one — when it comes to Daniel Jones and the neck issue that forced him out of Sunday’s 31-16 loss to the Dolphins in Miami Gardens.
Coach Brian Daboll, who usually offers cursory injury updates, especially the day after a game, reported that Jones on Monday was feeling much better and, based on that, said, “I’d say we’re optimistic … I think he’s moving in the right direction,’’ as far as Jones’ availability for Sunday’s game against the Bills in Buffalo.
Jones was forced from the game at Hard Rock Stadium with 12:54 remaining after he was leveled on a sack by outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.
It was the sixth sack of Jones in the game and he immediately came off the field and was replaced by backup Tyrod Taylor.
Afterward, Jones said he was in some pain and his neck felt sore.
Jones missed the final six games of the 2021 season with a neck injury.
Daboll said he was awaiting the latest information about the MRI Jones took on Monday
“I want to get back upstairs and meet with the trainer and the doctors, just having talked to him he said he feels probably better than maybe he thought he would feel,’’ Daboll said. “Optimistic after talking to him.’’
The Giants are struggling mightily with Jones at quarterback, as the offense has failed to produce a touchdown in three of their five games.
Jones, who has been sacked 16 times the past two games, was 14 of 20 for 119 yards against the Dolphins, under duress from early until late, before he was removed from the game.
Jones probably deserved better, with tight end Darren Waller (eight receptions for 86 yards) failing to haul in a pass that hit him in the hands.
“I think he made some good throws under a good amount of pressure,” Daboll said. “That throw that he made to Darren, he took a little punch step and was ready to throw it and there was somebody on him but he put it where he needed to put it. There were times when he had a little bit more time, the little double-move to Waller, I’d say he threw some balls under pressure and escaped and made some plays. We certainly have to do a good job of protecting him.
“Daniel is a very tough competitor, he took some shots. I’d say he has a … he’s a tough competitor.’’
The Giants once again took the field without two of their best players on offense, as left tackle Andrew Thomas and running back Saquon Barkley missed the game.
Daboll said “it’s yet to be determined’’ regarding the likelihood of those players returning to action this week, adding that “I’d say Saquon is probably closer than Andrew Thomas is.’’