Giants' Daniel Jones addresses fears neck injury could end his season

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones insists his current neck injury won't cause a repeat of what occurred less than two full years ago. 

"It's a different injury," Jones told reporters on Wednesday, per the Giants' official website. "It's a different injury and I think when you see other guys that have similar situations as mine and they're able to progress and come back. I'm following a similar timeline to that. That's kind of the optimism and it's a different injury than last time."

Jones missed the final six games of the 2021 season because of a neck problem and was first sidelined with this latest issue during the Week 5 loss at the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 8. He made similar comments about his current injury being "different" days after the Miami game but hasn't been cleared for contact since the second Sunday of the month. 

It was noted last week that team doctors likely won't clear Jones to face a live defense until his symptoms "are completely gone." He indicated Wednesday he's not yet there as the 2-5 Giants prepare to face the 3-3 New York Jets on Sunday. 

"I think there are certain symptoms that they're looking for and testing for, from a pain level and based on how I feel," Jones explained. "I feel good and that's been the communication from that symptom standpoint." 

Backup Tyrod Taylor seemingly is on track to start in Jones' place for a third consecutive game. Giants head coach Brian Daboll made it known earlier on Wednesday that Jones will return to the lineup when cleared. But the 26-year-old said he's merely "focused on what I'm doing from a rehab standpoint and getting back as fast as I can" rather than paying attention to any chatter about a nonexistent quarterback controversy. 

For better or for worse, the Giants have Jones under contract through at least the 2024 season and, thus, may need to make a business decision about his health beyond this fall if he remains medically ineligible to play past this weekend. 

Meanwhile, OddsChecker listed the Giants as three-point underdogs against the Jets as of early Wednesday evening.