Giants cut Chad Jones after failed physical

Chad Jones’ comeback is over … for now.

The safety who was a third-round pick of the Giants in 2010 but was involved in a gruesome car accident two months later was waived by the team today after failing a physical. Jones had been attempting a comeback this summer and had hoped he would be cleared to participate in workouts this spring and perhaps even training camp this summer. He was with the team last month when the offseason training program began but returned home to Louisiana to continue his rehab.

Jones spent that last two seasons on the reserve/non-football injury list. While NFL offseason rosters have expanded to 90, it is a “hard” 90 which means that everyone counts and there is no reserve list to put Jones on. The Giants had two openings on their roster heading into rookie minicamp this past weekend and wound up signing three players: WR Brandon Collins of Southeast Louisiana, LB Jake Muasau of Georgia State and another safety, Will Hill of Florida.

“We consider Chad to be part of the Giants family, and we'll continue to work with him in his rehab,” Jerry Reese said. “As we've said since his accident, we're thankful he is alive and able to lead a normal life.”

While that isn’t exactly slamming the door shut on Jones, it’s becoming clearer that a return to the football field would be almost impossible.

“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.”

So is this it for Jones? His agent called this latest news a “minor setback.”

“We would like to thank the Giants organization for the manner in which they have supported Chad since his unfortunate accident two years ago,” said Rocky Arceneaux, Jones’ agent, in a statement through the team. “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.”