On Thursday, Drew Lock again shut down any talk that he could possibly replace Daniel Jones as the Giants' starting quarterback before New York's regular-season opener versus the Vikings on Sept. 8.
"I would say I appreciate the people who respect my game and know what I can do, but you're the backup, and you're here to help Daniel," Lock said about fans possibly wanting him to be atop the depth chart this summer, per the Giants' website.
Jones is recovering from the torn ACL he suffered on Nov. 5, and the fact that the Giants can escape his contract as soon as next offseason has caused many to assume it's a matter of when, not if, head coach Brian Daboll will turn to Lock this fall. However, such chatter recently was replaced by suggestions that 2023 undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito could win the primary backup job over Lock between now and the end of August.
For now, Lock is doing all he can to remain patient and learn a new offense.
"Three years I wasn't a starting quarterback," Lock explained about his previous NFL stops. "I was patient then. I know how to be a backup and just be ready if and when your time comes. As a backup, you hope it never comes. You hope your team is playing good football, and you hope Daniel stays healthy. But do everything you can to be ready. When that time comes, just make the best of it."
Jones insisted during organized team activities that he will be cleared for training camp, which should put him on track to start against Minnesota on the second Sunday of September. Until he receives such a nod, Lock is serving as the Giants' unofficial QB1 in springtime practices.
"Being able to just have those reps under your belt definitely builds confidence going into the year," Lock added during his comments. "Like I said, you hope the time doesn't come, but if it does, you feel like you're ready. You've been with the guys in the huddle. They know your face. They know your cadence. They know how you operate. Just makes you feel more comfortable going into the year."
As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Giants' over/under win total for the upcoming season at 6.5. Theoretically, Daboll and company should consider Lock in December if the Giants are below average again.
