Giants QB Daniel Jones not participating in team drills

While he progresses in his recovery from a torn ACL, New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones won't participate in team drills at the two-day minicamp, coach Brian Daboll told reporters Tuesday.

"He's really right on point with where he needs to be," Daboll said. "But in terms of the team, we'll keep him out here the next few days and get him ready to go for training camp."

Whether Jones is ready for training camp remains to be seen, but Daboll is pleased with the QB's rehab process.

"Yeah, we'll see," the coach said. "We will give him another month here, but he's making progress."

Jones, 27, underwent season-ending surgery on his right knee in late November after sustaining the injury in a 30-6 loss at Las Vegas on Nov. 5.

Jones, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract last offseason, finished with two touchdown passes and six interceptions in six games in 2023. He also missed three games with a neck injury.

Jones is 22-36-1 as a starter with 62 touchdown passes and 40 picks in 60 games (59 starts) since being drafted with the No. 6 overall pick in 2019.

Daboll praised the work of free-agent signee Drew Lock, but stopped short of saying there will be a QB competition once Jones returns.

"He understands his role," Daboll said of Lock. "I think he's come a long way. There is a lot to learn playing that position. There is a lot of vocabulary, there's new plays. One word means something to him in another system. He's been to a few different places. He has been a true pro.

"He has definitely improved since he has gotten here. Good to get two more workdays here with the guys that he might not necessarily get as many reps with once we get to training camp."

As for Darren Waller, who retired over the weekend, Daboll said he spoke to the veteran tight end on Monday and has kept in contact with him since last season ended.

"I would say the first thing with Darren is my concern for him is more of a person than anything," Daboll said. "I'm glad he's doing well. Spoke to him yesterday.

"That's his decision, we were going to respect the decision and give him as much time as he needed. Wish him well. Here for him if he needs anything. That's what happens in the NFL sometimes."

Though Waller's retirement at age 31 leaves a void, Daboll is pleased with the work that first-year tight ends coach Tim Kelly has done with a group that includes Daniel Bellinger and Lawrence Cager.

"They've done a really good job," Daboll said. "Tim Kelly has been a great addition to our staff. Really does a good job leading those guys. They're all conscientious guys, have good ability. They can play multiple positions, so it will be a good training camp."

--Field Level Media