Source: The Giants won't have the speedy Jones hook

PITTSBURGH – New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones took all first-team reps in practice this week and is not expected to be shortstop Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers despite being pulled in the fourth quarter last week, multiple sources told ESPN.

Jones went to the bench in a 28–6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and was replaced by backup Drew Lock. Coach Brian Double said he was looking for a “spark.” It didn't happen. Locke was 3-of-8 passing for 6 yards.

A handful of Giants players told ESPN this week that they were not pushing for a permanent change at quarterback entering Monday night's matchup. Jones is their starter. Several players noted that it might be different if Tyrod Taylor were still on the roster. he is not It's still Jones' team.

Taylor was the backup the past two seasons. He signed with the New York Jets this offseason.

It's been a struggle for Jones and the 2-5 Giants, especially at home. They have scored just one offensive touchdown in four home games. Jones has six touchdown passes and four interceptions in seven starts this season. New York has the 31st ranked scoring offense allowing 14.1 points per game entering Monday night.

After the Oct. 20 loss and throughout this week, Jones was not happy with the situation. He's not trying to think about what will happen if he fights or advances on Monday night.

“I'm just going to focus on playing well. I think playing well, winning games, that puts us all in the best position,” Jones said during the week. [Daboll] He can make decisions, he's the head coach, so my job is to play and play well and that's what I'm focusing on.”

Jones would not say whether he has been assured beyond that he is starting Monday night. Double told the team in the locker room after last week's loss that Jones was the starter going forward. He did not mention anything more.

Double also doesn't specify if he gives his quarterback any assurances he won't be pulled midgame again. Just that they were focused on playing well.

“That's where our focus is,” Double said this week.

Jones has been the Giants' clear-cut starter since his rookie year. He was drafted sixth overall by New York in 2019.

This is his sixth season as a starter. Despite the ups and downs, Jones was given a four-year, $160 million contract after a strong 2022 season. This is the second year of that contract.

But the Giants have struggled since then, compiling an 8-16 mark. Jones had a neck injury that cost him time and tore the ACL in his right knee midway through last season. He came back physically stronger. The knee has not been a noticeable problem.

Still, the Giants have made their thoughts on his long-term future clear through their actions this offseason. The team took a close look at quarterbacks in the draft. They even try to trade up for one. All of this was documented in an offseason “hard knocks.”

Jones took it all a step further. “He wasn't fired,” he admitted, hearing and seeing the Giants' interest in the quarterback. The same can be said about being benched against the Eagles.