Daniel Jones stats today: Giants QB struggles in first game back from injury despite Malik Nabers' impressive play

This season represents a pivotal campaign for Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.

The Duke product endured a nightmare season in 2023, recording totals of two touchdowns and six interceptions in six games before being felled by a season-ending ACL tear.

With a paycheck guaranteeing some $90 million going forward, many of the Big Blue variety are wondering if Jones' inconsistent performances were merely a result of the limited talent supply that New York possessed in 2023 or a sign of things to come.

DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: 2024 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet

No one can truly be sure until the regular season starts. However, a look at Jones' initial preseason display against the Texans could serve some insight into just what he can — and can't — offer his employers during the upcoming 17-game slate.

With that, The Sporting News delves into Jones' statistical showing against the Texans on Saturday afternoon.

MORE: Tom Brady roasts Daniel Jones in Q&A with Stephen A. Smith

Daniel Jones stats vs. Texans

Jones toiled in his first game back from his torn ACL, struggling to adapt to a daunting Texans defense. The Giants starter took part in five series throughout the day. Two of those ended in heartbreak, as Jones threw interceptions on back-to-back drives, one of which resulted in a touchdown for Houston's defense.

Rust was to be expected from Jones, who endured a dire campaign in 2024. His first pick, a snaggletoothed effort that spilled out of his hand as he fell to the ground, was summarily snapped up by Jalen Pitre. The Texans corner turned upstream with hopes of finding the promised land. He didn't have all that far to go, as Jones and the Giants gave the ball away on their own eight-yard line.

New York's next possession offered Jones a chance for retribution. What he got instead was another lowlight, this one courtesy of Derek Stingley Jr., who lurked beneath Jalin Hyatt's route before pouncing on Jones' underthrown attempt.

Things got easier for Jones as the game progressed; he led Big Blue to scores on each of his next two drives. He also formed a formidable partnership with Giants newcomer Malik Nabers.

Nevertheless, the damage was done for the Duke alum. An already polarizing figure in the world of NFL football, Jones did little to silence his detractors on Saturday afternoon despite a respectable completion percentage and solitary solid run.

MORE: NFL Preseason injury tracker | RB depth charts

Daniel Jones "highlights" vs. Texans

Jones wasn't all that productive on Saturday afternoon. Such a phenomenon was evident to any and all who witnessed him once he trotted on the field to face Houston.

Jones' struggles started in earnest when he fired a duck to Pitre for a pick-six.

He added to his poor showing with another misfire, this one landing into Stingley's grateful grasp one drive later.

Jones did find his footing as the matchup progressed. A big reason why was rookie Malik Nabers, who torched the Texans secondary to the tune of four catches and 54 yards.