EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — After being sidelined due to a left heel injury, Drew Lock is anticipated to return as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants in their upcoming matchup against the Falcons in Atlanta this Sunday.
Coach Brian Daboll confirmed on Wednesday that Lock has made sufficient progress and will lead the Giants (2-12) as they aim to end a nine-game losing streak, which would tie a franchise record.
Tommy DeVito had been the starting quarterback in the previous game against the Ravens but suffered a concussion late in the first half during a 35-14 defeat. He remains under concussion protocol and is uncertain about his status moving forward.
The Giants have experienced considerable changes at the quarterback position, particularly after they benched and subsequently released Daniel Jones following their bye week.
“It’s definitely different,” Lock remarked after practice on Wednesday. “But at the same time, Tommy was disappointed when he got hurt; he didn’t get to finish the game. I went in, but then I had my own heel issue. We’ve just faced some unfortunate circumstances and are trying to keep moving forward.”
DeVito had previously started against Tampa Bay on November 24 but suffered a right forearm injury in that 30-7 loss. Lock had begun games against Dallas on Thanksgiving and lost 14-11 to New Orleans, a match where he sustained injuries to both his heel and left elbow, although he managed to finish the game.
Last weekend, DeVito returned, and newly signed Tim Boyle took a snap to end the first half, playing the second half of the game.
Lock expressed that he wasn’t fully prepared to play against the Ravens and was designated as the No. 3 quarterback for that game, with the intention of only entering in case of an emergency. However, DeVito’s injury changed the scenario, putting Lock on alert.
“I was trying not to overdo it in case I had to step in,” Lock explained. “Then when Tommy went down, I thought, ‘Alright, I might actually need to play.’ I had to get loose and see if my heel would hold up.”
Daboll has been focused on keeping all of his quarterbacks prepared throughout recent weeks.
“All three of those guys are putting in the effort,” he stated. “They need to absorb the game plan and practice accordingly. They all have to be ready when their number is called.”
The coach also indicated that DeVito could potentially serve as Lock’s backup for the game against the Falcons (7-7), who are set to make a switching move of their own at quarterback as rookie Michael Penix Jr. takes over for Kirk Cousins.