NY Giants’ Daniel Jones: Kyle Rudolph can be a difference-maker

Daniel Jones is excited about what Kyle Rudolph has the chance to bring to the NY Giants 

The NY Giants’ offense is getting closer to full-strength as Week 1 of the NFL season approaches.

Prior to Wednesday’s practice, tight end Kyle Rudolph was activated off the PUP list, and got on the field with quarterback Daniel Jones for the first time since signing as a free agent back in March, and subsequently undergoing surgery to repair an injured foot.

Wednesday, during a joint practice with the New England Patriots, Jones was encouraged by what he saw from his newest weapon.

"“He’s played a lot of football at a really high level,” Jones told reporters after practice. “He knows the game inside and out. He knows how to make plays. He knows how to get up and catch the ball. I think he’ll make a difference for us and I’m excited to get him out there.”"

How Kyle Rudolph can make an impact on Daniel Jones, the NY Giants

The NY Giants are banking on Rudolph making a real difference in the red zone, an area New York has struggled in in recent years.

Prior to signing with the NY Giants, Rudolph has proven to be a legitimate weapon inside the 20-yard line, catching 40 of his 48 career touchdowns in the red zone.

If Rudolph can emerge as a security blanket for Jones and viable goal line target, the NY Giants’ offense has the chance to level up in 2021. Last season, Rudolph caught 28 of his 35 targets for 334 yards and a touchdown, without dropping a pass.

Finally healthy enough to get on the field this summer, Rudolph says he’s excited to work with his new quarterback.

"“It’s been awesome to watch [Daniel Jones],” Rudolph told reporters. “I was a huge fan of his from afar. Obviously, we came up with the Vikings a couple years ago and our defensive guys just raved about his talent. Now, getting to know him as a player and as an individual, his leadership ability, guys gravitate towards him, and that goes a long way, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Continuity is huge and we all rally behind Daniel.”"

Matt Lombardo is FanSided’s National NFL Insider and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday. Email Matt: Matt.Lombardo@FanSided.com.