**Title: New York Giants’ Daniel Jones Cleared for Return, Expected to Face Las Vegas Raiders**
**Introduction**
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has been cleared for contact and is set to make his return to the field against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to sources. After dealing with a neck injury, Jones passed tests from doctors and received clearance for contact. This news comes after the Giants’ disappointing loss to the New York Jets, where they finished with a franchise-worst minus-9 passing yards. Jones’ return is timely, as backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor suffered a rib cage injury and is undergoing further evaluation. Let’s delve into the details of Jones’ recovery and what his return means for the struggling Giants.
**Jones’ Recovery and Return**
Jones had been a limited participant in practice over the past two weeks due to his neck injury. However, the final step in his recovery was passing tests from doctors and receiving clearance for contact. This positive news came on Sunday morning, just hours before the Giants’ loss to the Jets. Jones had missed three games after sustaining the neck injury when he was sacked by Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel on October 8.
The Giants took a cautious approach with Jones, considering his history of neck injuries. In the 2021 season, he missed the final six games due to a disc problem. However, Jones insisted that this injury was different and expressed confidence in his return this season. Despite experiencing some pain and weakness in his left shoulder, Jones followed a similar timeline to other players with similar injuries who were able to come back successfully.
**Concerns and Coach’s Hesitation**
While Jones’ return is a positive development for the Giants, there were concerns surrounding his recovery. Coach Brian Daboll had been hesitant to confirm Jones’ return this season, despite expressing confidence previously. The uncertainty surrounding Jones’ injury raised questions about his availability and the team’s overall performance.
**Impact on the Giants**
The Giants have had a rough start to the season, with a 2-6 record and averaging just 11.9 points per game, ranking last in the NFL. Jones’ absence during his recovery has contributed to the team’s struggles. In five starts, he has thrown only two touchdown passes, five interceptions, and endured 28 sacks. This lackluster performance comes after the Giants signed Jones to a lucrative four-year, $160 million deal in the offseason.
With Jones cleared for contact and expected to return, the Giants hope to turn their season around. His presence on the field will provide a much-needed boost to the offense and potentially improve their scoring output. However, Jones will need to regain his form quickly and make better decisions to avoid turnovers and sacks.
**Backup Quarterback Situation**
While Jones’ return is a positive development, backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s injury adds another layer of uncertainty to the Giants’ quarterback situation. Taylor left the game against the Jets with a rib cage injury and is undergoing further evaluation at Hackensack Medical Center. In Taylor’s absence, undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito made his NFL debut but struggled, completing only 2-of-7 passes for minus-1 yard.
The Giants will need to monitor Taylor’s injury closely and determine his availability for future games. Having a reliable backup quarterback is crucial in case Jones experiences any setbacks or requires rest during his recovery.
**Looking Ahead: Facing the Las Vegas Raiders**
Jones’ return against the Las Vegas Raiders presents an opportunity for the Giants to bounce back from their recent struggles. The Raiders’ defense has been vulnerable against the pass this season, allowing an average of 275.4 passing yards per game. This could provide Jones with an opportunity to regain his confidence and establish a rhythm with his receivers.
However, the Giants’ offensive line will need to step up and provide better protection for Jones. The Raiders have recorded 22 sacks this season, and the Giants’ offensive line has allowed Jones to be sacked 28 times in just five starts. Improving pass protection will be crucial to give Jones enough time to make accurate throws and avoid unnecessary hits.
**Conclusion**
Daniel Jones’ clearance for contact and expected return against the Las Vegas Raiders is a positive development for the struggling New York Giants. After dealing with a neck injury, Jones passed tests from doctors and received clearance for contact. His presence on the field will provide a much-needed boost to the Giants’ offense, which has struggled to score points this season. However, concerns remain about Jones’ recovery and the team’s overall performance. The Giants will need to protect Jones better and make better decisions to turn their season around.