Brian Daboll didn’t need long to make his quarterback decision.
Tommy DeVito will start for the Giants’ “Monday Night Football” clash against the Packers, Daboll said Tuesday, the first time he’s spoken since the bye week.
On Monday, the Giants designated Tyrod Taylor to return from injured reserve and opened his 21-day practice window.
Taylor had missed the previous four games with a rib injury he suffered during the Giants’ 13-10 loss to the Jets on Oct. 29.
With Taylor expected to be ready to play Monday night, it provided a brief quarterback controversy as to whether Daboll would opt for DeVito, who has started the last three games and led the team to back-to-back wins before the bye, or Taylor, who began the season as the Giants’ backup.
“Tommy’s done a good job, he’s improved each of the games he’s played,” Daboll said. “Thought he’s played well the last two games, made good decisions, was accurate with the football, earned the right to play.
“Every decision we make is for that reason [to give them the best chance to win].”
Daboll did not feel the need or desire to wait until later in the week to make the decision or to see how Taylor, who is set to practice in full on Tuesday, feels health-wise.
He believes it’s now DeVito’s job.
DeVito, an undrafted rookie who started the season on the practice squad, led wins over the Commanders and Patriots before the bye, and this season has completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 697 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
His youthful energy has injected new life into an otherwise dead season, and his clinched hand celebration in homage to his Italian heritage has helped him begin to win over fans’ hearts.
“I just thought Tommy earned it,” Daboll said. “Went back, watched all the tape, thought he played two good games. Obviously things we can all work on. Thought he earned the right to play.”
The 34-year-old Taylor, a one-time Pro Bowler with the Bills, is in the final year of a two-year, $11 million contract and was signed to significant money to be a strong backup option behind Daniel Jones, who’s out for the season with a torn ACL. As long as Taylor is healthy, he will be the backup to DeVito on Monday.
Daboll praised Taylor’s reaction to the decision.
“He’s a pro,” Daboll said. “Those conversations are never easy, regardless of who it is. But he’s a pro who’s been in this league a long time. Had a good conversation with him. About what you’d expect. He’s a true professional.”
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