It looks like the Giants will have Jason Garrett playing Daniel Jones with his season at stake.
A week after offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and quarterback Colt McCoy teamed up to produce six points in the loss to the Browns, Garrett and Jones are expected to return to their regular duties on Sunday against the Ravens, avoiding any setbacks.
Jones was the first to go up in reps during Thursday practice and moved in his pocket in practice without the noticeable limp he had shown earlier.
“I think some of the moves we made last week with him, although it was a little difficult for him to sit with two injuries, helped to resolve some of those situations,” said coach Joe Judge. “All the feedback we get from the medical point of view is that it continues to improve and is less at risk of injury.”
The Giants increased the intensity of practice for Jones from Wednesday – when Judge was “really encouraged” with the way his quarterback moved – until Thursday, when the plan was for him to “jump right into his normal role and move on ahead “They will be back in the field on Friday as part of a reduced three-hour day to make room for the family’s Christmas time.
“If he can play, we intend to play with him,” said Judge. “We pass [Wednesday’s] practice feeling that we are on the right path. “
Garrett has been quarantined since he tested positive for COVID-19 on December 16. As he attended all Zoom meetings even when he missed training, Judge feels comfortable returning the play-call to Garrett on Sunday.
It is unclear whether Garrett will be out of the NFL protocol to travel with the team on Saturday or if he will have to travel alone and join the team on match day.
“We are still waiting for some points of clarity,” said Judge, “but we hope to have him in the game by counting the plays and staying on the sideline. Jason did a great job in adjusting the way he had to work, in staying connected with the players, in staying connected with the coaching staff. Freddie did a very good job of managing everything in practice. “
Even the giants at full strength will be busy with the Ravens. It is the No. 31 scoring offensive against the No. 4 scoring defense – and the Giants (5-9) are eliminated from the playoffs with a loss and a Washington victory against the Panthers.
“For a number of reasons, we have to finish the records better,” said Judge. “When we are there [to the red zone] we need to leave with stitches. This is not something that we are neglecting internally. “
Asked if the giants need Santa Claus to bring more offense at Christmas, Kitchens put it best: “If you know him and want him to send us what you were talking about, feel free. Yes, elf on the shelf, Mrs. Clause. Anything.”