Giants quarterback Daniel Jones says knee surgery was limited to his ACL

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones said his recent knee surgery was limited to his ACL and he hopes to return to practice for training camp next season.

Speaking for the first time since having the surgery on his right knee less than two weeks ago, the 26-year-old said he has started his rehabilitation.

“It’s a long road,” Jones said Wednesday. "I think it depends kind of how I do with each stage of it and how it progresses. I’m going to try to focus on what’s right in front of me during each stage and do as well as I can with each of those.”

Jones' surgery was not the same as star running back Saquon Barkley had in 2020. Barkley had to have his right ACL reconstructed and surgeons needed to repair his right meniscus. The No. 2 overall pick in 2018 returned for the 2021 season, but he struggled and did not look like himself until the following season.

"The surgery is easier and the recovery is a lot easier without the other injuries,” said Jones, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension last spring.

Jones, who was hurt against Las Vegas on Nov 5, said his goal is to be ready for the opening of training camp in July. That's almost eight months away and much will depend on his rehabilitation.

Jones spoke with reporters after presenting Eduardo Recinos of Putnam Valley High School in New York with the Heart of the Giant award in a ceremony in the Giants locker room at MetLife Stadium. The junior is the team manager for the football team. He was diagnosed with Spastic Cerebral Palsy at birth, and he was unable to walk under his own power. Following numerous surgeries and rehabilitations, he is now able to walk without any assistance.

“He’s overcome a lot of obstacles in his life since he was born,” Jones said. "And to go from where he was there to now he’s walking, (being) part of a team, is there every day, helping, bringing a lot of energy, positivity, enthusiasm that is truly infectious to the group and certainly makes a difference.”

The Giants (4-8) host the Packers (6-6) on Monday night. The Packers have won three in a row. New York has won two straight with undrafted rookie free agent Tommy DeVito at quarterback.

“He’s talented,” Jones said of DeVito. "He throws the ball well. He’s got a strong arm and throws the ball accurately. He played well during training camp, played well in practice leading up to this point. And he’s obviously won the games. So I’m not surprised.”

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