The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Wednesday in snowy conditions as they prepare for a Week 14 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Although the Giants only conducted a walkthrough that lasted less than 90 minutes, all eyes were on quarterback Daniel Jones (hamstring) and linebacker Blake Martinez (back).
The good news? Jones participated with his teammates and head coach Joe Judge told reporters he was “optimistic” the second-year quarterback would play against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
“We’re going to give him an opportunity to go out there today and move around on the field,” Judge said. “We’re optimistic. I know he’s going to tell us everything we want to hear. We’ve got to use our eyes to set our ears with Daniel.
“We’re going to put him out there today and give him every chance go progress. Today is a walkthrough today so we’re not going to see anything full speed. Tomorrow we’ll be on the field moving around and Friday will be a big day for us to day for us to make a final decision.”
Things weren’t quite as positive for Martinez, who suffered a lower back injury late in a Week 13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Martinez was unable to return last Sunday and out on Wednesday, but Judge says he’s “hopeful” the defensive captain can play this coming Sunday.
“I have to be fair to Blake and see where he’s at. I hope so,” Judge said when asked if Blake can play on Sunday. “He was in meetings with us today, had a smile on his face and laughing, so you can always cut it with Blake. But obviously, guys are coming out of games, they’re banged up, they’re sore.
“Today being a walkthrough day is really part of the recovery from our trip going out west, so that should allow some guys with some nicks and bumps to do some things in practice, but when we get out there tomorrow it’ll kind of give us a better look in terms of guys that are dinged and bumped up in terms of how they can move around.”
Martinez rode the stationary bike during the portion of practice open to the media and despite his smile during meetings, was unable to join the team in their walkthrough.
The official (estimated) injury report can be found below:
Did not participate: DB Madre Harper (knee), LB Blake Martinez (back), OT Matt Peart (ankle)
Limited participant: QB Daniel Jones (hamstring), DB Darnay Holmes (knee)
Full participant: N/A
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