Jaxson Dart, rookie quarterback for the New York Giants, has been cleared to return to play following a concussion, and he is expected to start against the New England Patriots on November 20, 2023. The Giants confirmed on Thursday that Dart has successfully exited concussion protocol, paving the way for him to reclaim the starting position he lost after sustaining the injury during a game against the Chicago Bears in Week 10.
Dart’s absence has significantly impacted the Giants, who have lost their last six games, bringing their record to 2-10. In his stead, veteran quarterback Jameis Winston has struggled, completing 37 of 65 passes for 567 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions over the past two games. Despite his efforts, Winston’s performance has not been enough to secure victories against the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions.
As Dart prepares to return, questions arise regarding how the Giants’ coaching staff, led by interim head coach Mike Kafka, will manage his gameplay. Dart has been evaluated for concussions four times this season, including during the preseason, and his prior experience under former head coach Brian Daboll saw him lead the league in designed quarterback runs. Reports suggest that the Giants may adopt a more cautious approach in Dart’s return, potentially limiting his running plays, especially in critical game situations.
Before his injury, Dart showcased impressive statistics, completing 62.7% of his passes for 1,417 yards, ten touchdowns, and three interceptions across nine games, including seven starts. He also contributed significantly on the ground, amassing 317 rushing yards on 57 carries, resulting in an additional seven touchdowns.
Injuries remain a concern for the Giants beyond the quarterback position. Although the team did not hold a practice session on Thursday, they released estimated participation statuses. Alongside Dart’s projected full participation, Dexter Lawrence, an All-Pro defensive tackle, was listed as a projected non-participant due to an aggravated elbow injury. Additionally, linebackers Kayvon Thibodeaux and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles are also expected to miss practice with shoulder and neck/knee injuries, respectively.
As the Giants prepare for their upcoming match against the Patriots, the focus will be on Dart’s performance and the team’s ability to snap their losing streak while navigating the challenges of injuries and a restructured offensive strategy.
