Adam SchefterESPN Senior Writer Oct 28, 2023 4:57pm ET2 Minute Reading
The New York Giants are considering a possible return for quarterback Daniel Jones in Week 10 against the Dallas Cowboys, league sources told ESPN.
Jones could potentially return for the Nov. 5 game in Las Vegas against the Raiders from the neck injury that sidelined him three straight games, but that scenario is unlikely, according to sources, considering he still hasn’t been cleared for contact became.
That leaves the Cowboys game as the most likely scenario for Jones’ return right now, although the Giants and the fifth-year quarterback are still adjusting to his progress from week to week.
If Jones’ return were delayed beyond next week’s Raiders game, Jones would have two additional weeks to regain strength in his left arm and receive necessary medical clearance while the Giants can continue to proceed cautiously. But the away game in Dallas is the realistic goal, assuming there are no setbacks from Jones’ neck injury, sources say.
This is not the first neck injury for Jones, who missed the final six games of the 2021 season with neck issues. But Jones and Giants coach Brian Daboll insisted he will return this season.
“It’s a different injury,” Jones said. “I think when you see other guys that have similar situations to me and are able to progress and come back, I’m following a similar timeline. That’s a kind of optimism, and yes, it’s a different injury than last time.”
Jones insists he is making progress, saying he is feeling “much better” and that he is “continuing to improve week on week.”
With Jones out Sunday against the New York Jets and expected to be out again next week, the Giants will continue to turn to Tyrod Taylor, who signed a two-year, $11 million contract in the offseason and has impressed the team with his talents and leadership has.
Taylor hasn’t committed a turnover in either of his two starts and nearly led the Giants to an upset against the Bills in Buffalo before rushing for 279 yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Washington Commanders last week.
“I feel comfortable with our offense,” Taylor told reporters. “I feel comfortable with the playmakers we have out there. It’s obviously up to me to get the ball to those guys, so I try to spread it out as much as possible and a lot of those guys make plays.”
However, Taylor also understands that he is holding off on the job until Jones is ready to return, possibly by his Week 10 target.
“That’s up to Coach,” Taylor said. “Of course, if [Jones] is healthy, he is a captain of our team, captain of our team, a leader on offense and I am here to support him in any way I can.”
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan contributed to this report.