The Giants have continually acknowledged that they will never turn their backs on Chad Jones, their 2010 third-round draft pick out of LSU who was nearly killed in a horrific 2010 car accident. Jones nearly lost his left leg in the one-car accident and is attempting to resume his football career.
Although he has made remarkable progress, Jones is not close to being able to play at an NFL level and on Monday Jones was waived/injured by the Giants after he failed his physical.
Jones was injured two months after he was drafted. He reported last month to the team’s offseason conditioning program to continue his rehabilitation program but was not cleared to participate in football activities.
“We consider Chad to be part of the Giants family, and we’ll continue to work with him in his rehab,” general manager Jerry Reese said. “As we’ve said since his accident, we’re thankful he is alive and able to lead a normal life.”
The Giants announced the signings of three undrafted free agents: Safety Will Hill (Florida), wide receiver Brandon Collins (Southeast Louisiana) and linebacker Jake Muasau (Georgia State). All three players attended last weekend’s rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis.
Jones spent two seasons on the reserve/non-football injury list with the Giants. He suffered multiple fractures and nerve damage to his lower left leg in the June 25, 2010 accident and nearly lost his life because of a loss of blood. He also was in danger of having his left leg amputated.
“Chad had a severe injury to his left leg, involving a complex tibial fracture with associated injury to muscle, nerves, and vascular structures,” said Dr. Scott Rodeo, a Giants associate team physician. “This type of injury is often limb threatening, and can sometimes require amputation. He has made a remarkable recovery to date, with successful salvage of the leg. However, at this time he has residual sensory loss, muscle weakness, and tenuous soft tissue coverage in the involved lower leg. The resultant functional impairment precludes his ability to perform physically at the level required for professional football.”
Rocky Arceneaux, Jones’ agent, said “We would like to thank the Giants organization for the manner in which they have supported Chad since his unfortunate accident two years ago. Their genuine support and caring has far exceeded their obligations and he and his family will be eternally grateful. Chad is experiencing a minor setback and we expect a full recovery within a few months. He thanks everyone for their continued support and prayers. He will see his teammates on the field soon.”
Of the three undrafted free agents signed, Hill has local ties, as he’s a native of East Orange, N.J. but has had off-field problems that led to his suspension from Florida.