TUCSON, Ariz. — Daniel Jones is still yet to be cleared for contact, though coach Joe Judge said on Wednesday at this point there are no indications the strained neck that has forced Jones to the sideline is season-ending.
Jones had his neck checked out in Los Angeles on Monday, traveling with Ronnie Barnes, the Giants’ senior vice president of medical services, to see neck specialist Dr. Robert Watkins. The concern is that if Jones plays, he could do further damage to the neck, which suffered some structural damage in the loss in Tampa in Week 11.
“I think that’s part of the caution right now, so we don’t create a long-term concern,’’ Judge said Wednesday before the Giants practiced at the University of Arizona.
As for the immediate quarterback needs of the Giants, Mike Glennon remains in concussion protocol but Judge said he has every belief that Glennon will be cleared and out of the protocol later in the week. If that happens, Glennon will start Sunday against the Chargers in Los Angeles, Judge said.
Jake Fromm, signed last week off the Bills’ practice squad, took the first-team snaps but it appears as if Glennon, who suffered a concussion in last week’s 20-9 loss to the Dolphins subbing for Jones, will be able to start this weekend. Glennon was on the side during the morning walkthrough but Judge said Glennon would participate in the afternoon session as he moves through the protocols.
If Glennon gets through a full practice on Friday, he will be cleared to play as long as he passes tests given by an outside neurologist.
“We’ll have to put him through some designed drills to make sure he’s safe to make sure on Sunday, just like we did with Daniel coming off the Dallas game,’’ Judge said, referring to Jones going through concussion protocols earlier this season without missing a game.
“We have nothing that at this point that would say [Glennon] wouldn’t clear, so we’re waiting to see where that goes,’’ Judge said. “At this moment if MIke was healthy and cleared we would expect Mike to start.’’
Jones, as he did last week, was on the field, throwing and looking like any of the other quarterbacks wearing red non-contact jerseys. Unlike last week, there is no talk of Jones being ready to play this next game.
“There’s not an immediate timeline, this can change quickly, it can change over time,’’ Judge said. “Talking to the doctors and the medical team, there are some things they’re just waiting, in terms of we have to make sure he is cleared for contact. When it comes to necks, backs, things of that nature, we’re not going to take any risks with our players.’’
Glennon started against the Dolphins and completed 23 of 44 passes for 187 yards and one interception. The Giants failed to score a touchdown. Glennon completed the entire game and afterward the Giants revealed he suffered a concussion at some point in the game.
