Jaxson Dart, the rookie quarterback for the New York Giants, has been cleared from concussion protocol and is expected to start against the New England Patriots on December 4, 2023. The Giants announced on Thursday that Dart, who missed the previous two games due to the injury sustained during a Week 10 matchup against the Chicago Bears, is on track to return to the field.
In Dart’s absence, the Giants struggled, losing both contests with veteran quarterback Jameis Winston at the helm. Winston completed 37 of 65 passes for 567 yards, contributing two touchdowns and two interceptions, along with one rushing and one receiving score. Currently, the Giants hold a 2-10 record, having lost their last six games and been eliminated from playoff contention.
As Dart prepares to re-enter the lineup, questions arise regarding how the coaching staff, now led by interim coach Mike Kafka, will manage his playing style. Dart has faced evaluations for concussions four times this season, including during the preseason. Under former head coach Brian Daboll, he led the league in designed quarterback runs, but indications suggest a more conservative approach may be adopted moving forward. This could involve fewer quarterback keepers, especially during critical situations such as goal-line plays.
Before his injury, Dart demonstrated impressive performance metrics, completing 62.7% of his passes for 1,417 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions over nine games, with seven starts. Additionally, he rushed for 317 yards on 57 carries, scoring seven times on the ground.
Injury concerns extend beyond the quarterback position for the Giants. Although the team did not practice on Thursday, they provided estimated statuses for players. Dart is projected to be a full participant, while All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has been marked as a projected non-participant due to an aggravated elbow injury. Linebackers Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder) and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (neck/knee) are also expected to miss practice.
As the Giants prepare for their clash with the Patriots, all eyes will be on Dart to see how he performs in his return and whether the team will adapt their strategy to prioritize his health and safety.
