The optimism Brian Daboll expressed Monday about Daniel Jones and his neck injury was replaced by a far different sentiment two days later.
Jones did not practice on Wednesday and the Giants coach said the quarterback is “a little bit more sore today.’’
This does not bode well for Jones’ availability for Sunday’s game against the Bills in Buffalo.
If he is unable to play — it is looking as if that will be the case — veteran backup Tyrod Taylor will make his first start at quarterback for the Giants, who are a two-touchdown underdog to the Bills.
Jones was forced out of last Sunday’s 31-16 loss to the Dolphins in Miami when he was sacked by outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel early in the fourth quarter.
Jones missed the final six games of the 2021 season with a neck injury but Jones said this is not the same issue with his neck.
Daboll said Jones felt much better the day after the game but the increase in soreness means there will be no practice for Jones until the soreness subsides.
Also, whenever he is pain-free, Jones must be cleared for contact by the team’s medical staff.
“We’ll let it play out there,’’ Daboll said of Jones’ neck problem. “We’ll see how it is the next day and the day after that.’’
Daboll said the team will take it all the way to the end of the week with Jones, but there will be no rushing the starting quarterback — on the first year of a four-year, $160 million deal — onto the field.
The Giants are extremely banged up heading into a game against one of the NFL’s best teams.
Left tackle Andrew Thomas did not return to practice on Wednesday and he is almost definitely going to miss his fifth consecutive game with a strained hamstring.
Rookie center John Michael Schmitz (shoulder) is also not likely to return this week.
Tight end Darren Waller did not practice because of a groin issue and his availability for the game is not yet known. All Daboll would say about Waller’s injury is “I don’t think it’s long-term.’’
Running back Saquon Barkley will do more in practice on Wednesday, Daboll said. There is a chance Barkley returns, after missing the past three games with a high ankle sprain.