The New York Giants had literal injuries added to the insult of this past Sunday's 44-20 loss at the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. The lost not only dropped Big Blue to 1-4 on the season, but quarterback Daniel Jones (concussion), running back Saquon Barkley (ankle) and wide receiver Kenny Golladay (knee) went down to concerning injuries.
Arguably the most important part of that trio is on pace to be back on the field for this Sunday's matchup against the 4-1 Los Angeles Rams.
As Nick Shook noted for the NFL's website, Giants coach Joe Judge told reporters that Jones is recovering well from what was a scary concussion and is making "positive" progress toward returning to the lineup sooner than many would've thought earlier this week.
Here's the hit on Daniel Jones and the stumble after...
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) October 10, 2021
Prayers up to Daniel. pic.twitter.com/DissqgZLdd
SNY's Ralph Vacchiano added that Jones took first-team snaps during practice.
QB1 again.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) October 14, 2021
pic.twitter.com/l3QthBKvvZ
Vacchiano also showed how close Jones is to being cleared ahead of Sunday afternoon:
If Giants QB Daniel Jones participates in a non-contact practice today, he'd be in Phase 4 of the NFL's concussion protocol.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) October 14, 2021
That would leave him with just one hurdle to clear to play on Sunday: Getting cleared by both a team doctor and an independent neurological consultant. pic.twitter.com/NltqBwSAPC
Jones has passed for 1,282 yards with four touchdowns and just one interception this season. Per ESPN stats, he also leads the Giants with 197 rushing yards and two scores on 30 attempts.
If Jones can't play, backup journeyman Mike Glennon will again be called into action as he was in Dallas.
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