Jones on track to return after two-game absence

EAST RUTHERFORD >> Barring a setback, Daniel Jones is on track to return to the Giants’ starting lineup at the Washington Redskins on Sunday.

The rookie quarterback was back to taking most of the firstteam snaps during Wednesday’s practice. The team listed him as a full participant.

Jones, who suffered a high-ankle sprain in the loss to the Packers on Dec. 1, has progressed in his rehab since being limited in practice last week.

“It feels good, it feels like I can do everything I need to do,” Jones said. “Keep working through and hopefully I can continue to improve throughout the week.”

Head coach Pat Shurmur is remaining cautious.

“We don’t know yet,” Shurmur said when asked if he’s operating with the belief Jones will start on Sunday. “We just need to see how his ankle responds to the added work he did today, and then we’ll just take it from there.”

This is an ideal scenario for the Giants, who should now get to develop Jones for two more games after Eli Manning had an emotional MetLife Stadium sendoff in the 36-20 win against the Dolphins this past Sunday.

Shurmur said his decision on who will play at quarterback in the final two games is based strictly on health.

“That’s been the case all along,” Shurmur said. “When we committed to Daniel to be our starter, he was our starter. The last couple of weeks, he couldn’t start, so Eli went back in there. I’ll double down on that. Let’s not overthink it.”

In 11 games (10 starts) this season, Jones has thrown for 2,374 yards (61.6 percent completion rate) with 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He ranks 19th in ESPN’s Adjusted Quarterback Rating stat with a 51.6.

The knock against Jones has been his penchant for fumbling, as he leads the league with 10 lost fumbles. But if he can improve his pocket awareness, Jones he has a chance to be the future of the franchise because of his downfield vision, accuracy and ability to extend plays with his feet.

“Ball security is obviously the big thing and making sure that I’m doing my part in protecting the ball,” Jones said. “Making sure as an offense we’re protecting the ball. That way it gives us the best chance to win. That’s the most important thing in these last two weeks is to win games.”