The New York Giants are expected have their starting quarterback ready for Sunday’s huge game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The New York Giants are still riding high after pulling off the massive upset over the Seattle Seahawks last weekend. Not only did their defense shut down NFL MVP-favorite Russell Wilson, but they won without Daniel Jones, who missed the contest due to a right hamstring injury suffered in the week prior. The Giants won’t be without the former sixth-overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft for much longer.
Dan Duggan of The Athletic first reported on Saturday afternoon that Jones is expected to play in Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals after getting checked out by the team during practice. Team sources confirmed to Matt Lombardo of GMenHQ that Jones will get the start on Sunday.
Jones avoided a major hamstring injury back in Week 12
Back in Week 12, the Giants defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 19-17 to extend their winning streak to three games. During the game, Jones ran a quarterback draw up the middle for a first down. But in the process, Jones slid hard to avoid contact but injured his hamstring in the process. Luckily, reports indicated that Jones avoided a major injury.
Even though the injury was minor, Jones sat out of their Week 13 game against Seattle. Replacing him in the lineup was veteran Colt McCoy, who hadn’t started in a game since Week 5 of the 2019 season with the now-Washington Football Team. McCoy completed 13-of-22 pass attempts for 105 yards, one touchdown and one interception. While his performance was nothing to write home about, the Giants defeated the Seahawks 17-12 thanks to a dominant performance by Patrick Graham’s defense.
Jones returns with a ton of pressure placed on his shoulders. The Giants’ one-game cushion for first place in the NFC East is nonexistent, as Washington handed the Pittsburgh Steelers their first loss of the season this past Monday. The good thing is the Giants hold the tiebreaker over the Football Team after going 2-0 in head-to-head meetings this season. But getting wins in the final month of the season is much more preferable than banking on a season-end tie.
The second-year quarterback faces a Cardinals defense that surrendered 236.9 passing yards per game (16th in NFL) and 123.0 rushing yards per game (12th-most in league). Based off that latter stat, expect the Giants to utilize their rushing attack of Wayne Gallman, Alfred Morris and Jones, himself.