Daniel Jones Gets Off to Disastrous Start in Return to Action From ACL Injury

Karl Rasmussen | Aug 19, 2024

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones warms up before the preseason game against the Houston Texans. / Tim Warner/Getty Images

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones made his return to the field on Saturday for the first time since November after he suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 9 of the 2023 season.

With the Giants taking on the Houston Texans in a preseason clash, Jones saw game action for the first time in nine months, and he was nothing if not rusty.

It was a nightmare start for Jones across his first few possessions under center. New York's $160 million quarterback led the team to a three-and-out on its first possession, before throwing an egregious pick-six on their next drive.

After being hit in the end zone, Jones tried to avoid a sack by carelessly throwing the ball to tight end Theo Johnson. The throw was not a good one, and Texans DB Jalen Pitre jumped it for an easy pick six.

DANIEL JONES PICK SIX 😳 (via @NFL)

pic.twitter.com/y1jqpRgHuT

— Overtime (@overtime) August 17, 2024

Things got worse before they got better for Jones and the Giants.

On the next possession, some five minutes later, Jones tried to throw a risky pass to Jalin Hyatt who was in single coverage with Derek Stingley Jr., who came away with the interception.

IN. HIS. BAG.

📺: ABC13 pic.twitter.com/WM5ZsRwtF5

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 17, 2024

In his limited time last season, turnovers were a significant issue for Jones, who threw just two touchdowns to six interceptions in six games.

Fans will be hoping that his early preseason woes aren't a sign of what's to come when the regular season gets underway on Sunday, September 8 against the Minnesota Vikings.