Wistful Daniel Jones knows this is his unceremonious Giants end

Daniel Jones might not have to suffer the indignity of being the Giants’ fourth-string quarterback for much longer.Answering questions Thursday for the first time since he was demoted earlier this week to end a disappointing six-year run as the starter, Jones essentially said goodbye to the Giants.But he stopped short of admitting that he might leave the team before the end of the season.Jones appears to be behind new starter Tommy DeVito, backup Drew Lock and even new practice-squad addition Tim Boyle on the depth chart because the Giants do not want to risk playing him and activating the $23 million injury guarantee in his contract.“I’m still processing … how this decision was made and not playing,” Jones said, his voice cracking at times over the course of 11 minutes.

“For now, I’m doing the best I can to help Tommy and the team prepare.”The normally unflappable Jones opened by reading from a 90-second prepared statement during which he thanked owners, teammates, coaches, fans and staff.He used the past tense when he said “the opportunity to play for the Giants was truly a dream come true.”“There have been some great times, but, of course, we all wish there had been more of those,” Jones said.

“I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more wins.No one wanted to win those games worse than me.

I gave everything I had.”Jones’ practice workload Thursday included slipping on a pinny and lining up as a scout-team safety during offensive install periods.It’s not unusual for offensive players who are not playing Sunday to lend a hand in that walking/jogging situation, but it is unusual for a $160 million investment to be reduced to it.Why is Jones not merely the No.

2 quarterback? Start with the clause that if Jones cannot pass a physical by March, then the Giants’ dead-salary-cap charge for cutting him jumps from $22.2 million to $45.2 million — a nightmare for general manager Joe Schoen.“I have the injury guarante...