|
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is dealing with a second "lower leg issue" coming out of Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals, coach Joe Judge said Wednesday. Jones confirmed Wednesday afternoon it was a low ankle sprain and that it was "sore." This is in addition to the right hamstring strain that limited his ability to run, resulting in six sacks in the 26-7 loss, and forced him to miss the previous week's game. "There really is nothing worse for the wear with the previous injury," Judge said as the Giants returned to practice. "He did come out with some bumps and bruises. There is another lower leg issue we're dealing with right now. We're going to go ahead and move him around at practice and see where he's at." Judge said no decision has been made about whether his starting quarterback will be able to play Sunday night against the Cleveland Browns. Jones, with a propensity to downplay injuries, said the hamstring feels good and overall he "felt good" during Wednesday's practice. Colt McCoy, who saw an increase in practice reps with Jones listed as a limited participant in practice, would start if Jones can't play. "I'm going to give him the opportunity this week to work through practice, see how he moves and how he reacts to things," Judge said. "... If he's not at risk beyond any normal game, then we'll go ahead and give him the opportunity to play. If we think that is an issue, that he can't go out there and defend himself, then we'll make then best decision for him long term and the team as well." Jones looked hampered during Wednesday's open portion of practice. He backpedaled gingerly while the team warmed up and stretched, and he hobbled at times during individual drills. His back leg even jolted a couple times after making short throws. McCoy, who started in Jones' place in a 17-12 win over the Seattle Seahawks, took more reps than usual at Wednesday's practice. McCoy was behind center for the first snap with the first-team offense, which is generally a decent indication of who starts at quarterback that week. Jones was 11-of-21 for 127 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and a lost fumble against Arizona. The second-year quarterback did not have a rushing attempt for the first time in his career. There were also moments in the second half where Jones seemed to be favoring his left leg, not the injured right side. McCoy came in for the final drive. "That was part of the thing we noticed at the end of the game," Judge said. "To be honest with you, that was part of the communication, not through any negligence on our part. Again, I told you about Daniel. He's a tough, tough competitor. He's not going to be very early to tell you he just has a boo-boo. "This guy, it takes something serious for him to open up and give information about what is going on. You have to really see it with your eyes. We noticed it the other day. We got Colt in the game." That puts more of the onus on the Giants' brass to make the final decision with their quarterback. Jones is going to try to play, if physically possible. Judge has already been second-guessed for the decision to play Jones against Arizona. It's clear that he's going to need to stop Jones if that is the final determination the Giants reach this week. "That's not a decision that is up to me," Jones said when asked about sitting himself if it was for the betterment of the team. "I don't make those decisions. My job is to prepare to play and do everything I can to be prepared. I'm working as hard as I can to get healthy and working with the trainer." The Giants, one game behind first-place Washington in the NFC East, will be looking at both of Jones' injuries closely throughout the week. One is not considered more serious or troubling than the other at the moment. "We're evaluating both equally," Judge said. "I wouldn't say one is a concern more than the other right now. But we have to look and see how he moves throughout the week." Jones is still hoping and preparing to play this week. "I'm just taking it day by day and doing my best to listen to the trainers, listen to the coaches and get healthy. Prepare mentally and physically to play," Jones said. "That is my job right now and that is kind of where my focus is."
|
