Giants QB Daniel Jones (ACL) says he’s ‘ready to play’

HOBOKEN, N.J. — New York Giants starting quarterback Daniel Jones expects to be fully fit at training camp next week. He underwent surgery for a torn ACL in November and wasn’t fully recovered this spring.

When asked Sunday at his Flexwork youth football camp if he was fully cleared to practice, Jones expressed optimism.

“Yes, I should be ready to go,” he said.

The Giants’ veterans will report to training camp on Tuesday, with their first practice scheduled for Wednesday.

Jones, who was pitching and playing with the 500 kids at his first official football camp without any restrictions, had no setbacks this summer that would prevent him from being ready for the first day of training camp. The Giants had him in a plan this spring to have a full clearance by the end of July.

Jones is not expected to be placed on the physically unfit to perform (PUP) list.

“I feel good. I’m ready to go. I’m ready for training camp,” Jones said Sunday. “I’m looking forward to next Wednesday.”

The Giants have been adamant that Jones will be their starter in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium (barring any setbacks), despite the fact that they are heavily considering quarterbacks in this year’s draft.

“Keep me in mind,” general manager Joe Schoen told the New England Patriots at the NFL scouting combine if they were serious about trading the third overall pick.

The Patriots ultimately selected North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye with the No. 3 pick. The Giants also signed veteran Drew Lock as a free agent earlier in the offseason.

Jones, 27, started just six games last season because of neck and knee injuries. He threw just two touchdown passes with six interceptions after having the most successful season of his career the year before. The Giants reached the playoffs in 2022, and Jones played brilliantly in a playoff victory.

The veteran quarterback spent his offseason working out primarily in New Jersey with the intention of returning to training camp without any limitations.

“It’s been quick,” Jones said of the offseason. “I’ve mostly been here (in New Jersey), working out, rehabbing, getting ready to go again.”

Before dedicating himself entirely to football for the rest of the summer/year, Jones decided to host his very first camp. He did it in Hoboken because the community has become his home.

There were a total of 500 children at Sunday’s camp, including 50 guests from the Harlem and Far Rockaway Giants, who work closely with the team.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to spend time with kids here in Hoboken where I live,” Jones said. “It’s a special opportunity to spend time with kids. I remember doing it as a kid in the summer. My brother and I would go to all kinds of camps, all different sports, so it’s fun to be here.”

Next step: training camp and a decisive season.