Giants’ Daniel Jones finally set for first real game action since torn ACL

The last time Daniel Jones took the field knowing the opposing defense could clobber him was back on Nov. 5, when he went down in a heap in Las Vegas, done for the 2023 season with a torn right ACL. 

Through an extensive rehab following reconstructive surgery, Jones navigated an orderly spring and moved into the summer experiencing no setbacks, no days when he needed to take a break from training camp, no portion of practice when he needed a breather. 

The next step in his recovery and return comes Saturday, when he will start at quarterback for the Giants in their second preseason game.

Jones will not be wearing a red “no-contact’’ jersey, thus he will be fair game if one of the Texans has a clear shot at him. 

“Yeah, I’m not seeing it differently than I would any other year,’’ Jones said Thursday after practice. “I think with the first hit of the season and playing again after time off. Maybe I’ve had a little bit longer time off than in a normal situation. But as far as my knee or any of that, I’m not too concerned about that first hit. But like any preseason or like any first contact of the year, I think that kind of makes you feel like football again.’’ 

That first jolt will come at some point, but Jones is no masochist.