New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones missed a Week 13 game against the Seattle Seahawks due to a hamstring injury, but came much closer to playing than many realize.
Ultimately, head coach Joe Judge felt the need to save Jones from himself, listing the 23-year-old as inactive on Sunday.
“I thought he looked better as the week went on,” Judge said after the game. “This guy wanted to go out there and play. Ultimately, I’ll tell you right now, I had to protect him from himself.
“He’s a competitor. He’s a tough dude. I have no doubt he would have gone out there and fought through any pain he had.”
The same scenario is unlikely to play out in Week 14, however. Judge says Jones is feeling better and will be given “every opportunity” in practice this week to prove that he’s capable of playing against the Arizona Cardinals.
“I think we’re going to give him every opportunity to go on the practice field this week and show that he can defend himself on the field properly,” Judge said on Monday. “If that’s the case, we obviously want him to play. We’re going to make sure we’re doing the right thing by him.”
The Giants also suffered an injury scare during Sunday’s game against Seattle.
Late in the fourth quarter, linebacker and team captain, Blake Martinez, left the game after injuring his back. Following the contest, Judge had little update, but noted during Monday’s conference call that the injury appeared minor.
Barring any setbacks, Martinez is expected to suit up against the Cards.
Finally, rookie offensive lineman Matt Peart also suffered a minor ankle injury but managed to play through it in Week 13. He, too, is expected to play against Arizona.
