While NY Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is expected to return by training camp, he has been limited during Big Blue's minicamp and OTAs earlier in the offseason. Jones is recovering from a torn ACL/neck injury that held him to six games in 2023, but he still participated in 7-on-7 drills and is nearing a return.
NY's QB1 has endured his fair share of struggles throughout his five-year NFL career. However, he will take the reins under center again when he is fully healthy. General manager Joe Schoen gave Jones a top target to throw to when he took LSU wideout Malik Nabers with the No. 6 overall pick. The two players surely have a strong connection, but the young receiver did not want to talk about it during an interview in New Jersey:
Malik Nabers is asked about his rapport with Daniel Jones, who is not participating in 11-on-11 during minicamp:
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) June 11, 2024
"When Daniel comes back, I'm sure he's going to be helpful to the offense, but right now we're focused on the guys that we've got here" pic.twitter.com/5SLqafTAQu
Malik Nabers' comments about Daniel Jones were not undermining him
"When Daniel comes back, I'm sure he's going to be helpful to the offense, but right now we're focused on the guys that we've got here."Giants WR Malik Nabers
Before Giants fans start freaking out about what Nabers said, let's be clear — there is nothing wrong with his comments. Rather than focusing on how the offense will look when Jones returns, the rookie is taking it day by day and working with backup quarterbacks Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito. Every team seems to utilize the "next man up" mentality in football, one of the most injury-riddled sports.
Some people might have misinterpreted his statement as though Nabers were taking a shot at Jones. That is simply not the case. He still thinks that he will contribute positively when he comes back, but the team is concentrating on players who are available during minicamp.
Jones and NY supporters know that this is a make-or-break year for Danny Dimes. Schoen proved his loyalty to his QB by not trading up for someone like Drake Maye and passing up J.J. McCarthy in the draft. Jones will be the starter in due time, but that is not what Nabers is focusing on right now.
There are still several months until the regular season begins and the quarterback-wide receiver duo has plenty of time to build a rapport on the gridiron together. This was a truly professional answer from Nabers, and it is fantastic to see him maturing so quickly.