Sources – Giants quarterback Daniel Jones not on a short leash against Steelers

PITTSBURGH – New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones took all first-team reps at practice this week and is not expected to be on the short leash Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers despite being substituted in the fourth quarter last week, officials said multiple sources ESPN with .

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

A handful of Giants players told ESPN this week that they are not pushing for a permanent quarterback change heading into Monday night's game. Jones is their starter. Several players commented that things could be different if Tyrod Taylor was still on the roster. It's not him. It's still Jones' team.

Taylor has been the backup player each of the last two seasons. This offseason, he signed with the New York Jets.

It's been a struggle for Jones and the 2-5 Giants, especially at home. They have only scored 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 offense as of Monday night, averaging 14.1 points per game.

Jones wasn't happy with the situation after the Oct. 20 loss and this week. He tries not to think about what will happen if he struggles or gets ahead on Monday night.

“I'm just going to focus on playing well. I think if we play well and win the game, we'll all be in the best position,” Jones said during the week. (Daboll) can make his decision, he’s the head coach, so it’s my job to play well and that’s what I’m focused on.”

Jones wouldn't say he'll start Monday night if he's been given assurances beyond that. Daboll told the team in the locker room after last week's loss that Jones was the starter on offense. He didn't specify anything else.

Daboll also wouldn't elaborate on whether he gave his quarterback assurances that he wouldn't be sent off in the middle of the game again. Except their focus was on playing well.

“That’s where our focus is,” Daboll said this week.

Jones has been the Giants' clear starter since the start of 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 received a four-year, $160 million contract after a strong 2022 season. This is the second year of this contract.

But the Giants have struggled since then, finishing at 8-16. Jones suffered a neck injury midway through last season that cost him time and a torn ACL in his right knee. He came back physically strong. The knee wasn't a significant problem.

Still, the Giants made it clear through their actions this offseason that they are considering his long-term future. The team took a close look at quarterbacks in the draft. They even tried to trade it for one. All of this was documented in the offseason “Hard Knocks.”

Jones handled everything calmly. Admittedly, he “wasn’t thrilled” when he heard and saw the Giants’ interest in quarterbacks. The same goes for the bench against the Eagles.