Tyrod Taylor Takes Giants Quarterback News Like a Pro

New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been around long enough to know that life in the NFL has its ups and downs.

Such was the case Tuesday, as the 13-year veteran, who is set to return from injured reserve at some point this week, was informed by head coach Brian Daboll that he will not be the starting quarterback once he is added back to the 53-man roster from injured reserve.

In confirming for reporters that DeVito will make his fourth straight start, Daboll said of Taylor, "Hopefully he’ll be ready to go. If he is, he’ll be the backup, and Tommy will be the starter."

Why DeVito?

"I think Tommy’s done a good job," Daboll said. "He’s improved in each of the games he’s played. I thought he played well the last two games, made good decisions, was accurate with the football, and earned the right to play."

Taylor, ever the consummate pro, expressed disappointment in the decision but vowed to be a good teammate and not create waves.

“I don’t think life is fair,” Taylor said when asked if he thought it was fair for the coach to stay with DeVito, who had stepped in for Taylor after he suffered a rib cage injury in the team's Week 9 overtime loss to the Jets.

“I think that’s an unfair question, to be honest. I don’t know if it’s fair in this business. Some stuff happens that is out of your control. Unfortunately, this is one of them. In the grand scheme of things, this rib injury was out of my control.

“Main thing is I’ve bounced back, and I’m 100% healthy, and if the opportunity presents itself where I can go out there and perform and help this team win, then I’ll be ready to do so.”

Daboll praised Taylor for how he received the news, calling the 13-year veteran "A true professional."

“Those conversations are never easy, regardless of who it is, but he’s a pro whose been in this league a long time,” Daboll said. “Had a good conversation with him, and it was about what you would expect.”

Taylor, who prides himself as a competitor, said the decision was "disappointing," but he added that he supports the decision.

“Coach felt this was the right decision for the team,” he said. “I support the decisions our coach makes, our personnel people make.

“It’s tough, obviously, as a competitor not being able to go out there once healthy. It hurts.”

Taylor has been around the NFL long enough to know that there are no guarantees, especially when it comes to retaining one's job, even after an injury.

“I’ve had that happen a number of times,” Taylor said. “It’s the nature of the business. This league is a ‘right now’ league. It’s not a ‘what have you done?’ in the past. It’s about what makes sense right now.”

What also makes sense for Taylor to keep approaching his job the way he's always done, which is with every ounce of professionalism and attention to detail possible.

“I’ve been the same person from Day 1. I’ll continue to be that person. Lead in the way that I know how to lead, help the team in the way that I help, and if the opportunity presents itself again, then I’ll be ready to go out there and play winning football."