Reports: Giants QB Daniel Jones not cleared for contact, out vs. Cowboys

Members of the New York Giants, such as head coach Joe Judge, were supposedly optimistic last week that quarterback Daniel Jones would be able to return to the lineup for this coming Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys from the strained neck that kept him out of the past two contests, both of which New York lost to fall to 4-9. 

It appears that was wishful thinking. 

The Athletic's Dan Duggan tweeted Monday night that Jones was not expected to play versus Dallas following a visit to a spine specialist, and ESPN's Jordan Raanan now reports Jones is not cleared for contact and, thus, won't take the field for the divisional matchup. 

Veteran journeyman Mike Glennon is on track to make his third consecutive start, but 2020 fifth-round draft pick Jake Fromm could also take some snaps against Dallas. Fromm was officially signed off the practice squad of the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 1. 

Raanan notes Jones' injury hasn't worsened, which is why he hasn't yet been shut down despite numerous rumors claiming the 2019 first-round selection won't play again this season. The 24-year-old is staying in football shape, despite not being cleared for contact, and hoping he'll be able to return before the campaign's finale on Jan. 9. 

Thus far this season, Jones has completed 232-of-361 passes (64.3%) for 2,428 yards with 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He's also added 298 rushing yards and a pair of scores on the ground on 62 attempts. 

With the Giants needing to make a decision about the fifth-year option attached to Jones' rookie contract this offseason, they understandably want to see him in action even in meaningless games through Week 18. That won't be possible, though, if medical professionals say he shouldn't play again until next summer at the earliest.