It looks like the Giants will be letting Jason Garrett feed Daniel Jones with their season at stake.
A week after backup offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and backup quarterback Colt McCoy combined six points in a loss to the Browns, Garrett and Jones are expected to return to their normal roles against the Ravens on Sunday, barring setbacks.
Jones was first in the reps during Thursday’s workout, moving around the pocket in exercises without the noticeable slack he’d shown before.
“I think some of the moves we made with him last week, although it was quite difficult for him to have double injuries, which helped resolve some of those situations,” said coach Joe Judge. “All the feedback we’ve gotten medically is that he has continued to improve and that he is less likely to get injured.”
The Giants increased training intensity for Jones from Wednesday – when Judge was ‘really encouraged’ with how his quarterback was moving – to Thursday, when the plan was for him to ‘jump right into his normal role and move forward’. They will be back on the field Friday as part of a shortened three-hour day to make way for family time at Christmas.
“If he can play, we plan to play against him,” Judge said. ‘We got through it [Wednesday’s] practice feeling like we are on the right track. “
Garrett has been in quarantine since he tested positive for COVID-19 on December 16. Since he attended all Zoom meetings, even while missing workouts, Judge is comfortable returning play-calling to Garrett on Sunday.
It is unclear whether Garrett will be outside of NFL protocol to travel with the team on Saturday or if he will have to travel alone and join the team on game day.
“We are still waiting for a few points of clarity,” Judge said, “but we expect him to be with the game that plays and be on the sidelines. Jason has done a really good job of tweaking his way of working. “Staying connected with the players, staying connected with the coaching staff. Freddie did a really good job of running everything on the ground.”
Even the full-strength giants will have their hands full with the Ravens. It’s the No. 31 scoring violation against the No. 4 scoring defense – and the Giants (5-9) are eliminated from the playoff battle with a loss and a win for Washington against the Panthers.
“We need to finish our rides better for several reasons,” said Judge. ‘When we’re down there [to the red zone] we have to get away with points. We do not overlook that internally. “
When asked if the giants need Santa to be more offensive for Christmas, kitchens put it best: “If you know him and want him to send us something you talked about, please feel free. That, Elf on the Shelf, Mrs. Clause. Something.”