Giants QB Daniel Jones Has Sprained Ankle, But Could Play Vs. Browns

For the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, the playoffs have basically already started, so their match-up this Sunday night will be a biggie. Unfortunately, the Giants may or may not have their starting quarterback for the game.

According to Giants coach Joe Judge, starting QB Daniel Jones has a "lower leg issue." Per multiple reports, that issue is actually a sprained ankle that, in addition to his tweaked hamstring, could be cause for concern.

The Giants are 5-8, which in most universes would mean they are already out of the playoff chase. But the Giants don't play in most universes. They play in the NFC East -- and are just one game behind first-place Washington (6-7) with three games to go.

If Jones can't go, the job will shift back to veteran Colt McCoy, once considered the savior of the Browns. McCoy never saved anything in Cleveland, but he did lead the Giants to a stunner of win against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 12. In that game, he completed 13 of 22 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown.

Still, the Giants prefer Jones. Judge made that pretty clear.

“If he can defend himself properly in the pocket, if he's not at risk beyond any normal game, then we’ll give him the opportunity to play,” Judge told reporters.

The Browns (9-4) are coming off a 45-42 thriller of a home loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. They have the Giants, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers remaining. No matter who the QB for the Giants is, the Browns really need another win in order to secure their first postseason berth since 2002.