New York Giants coaches are imploring rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to dial back his trademark aggressive running approach after suffering a recent concussion that will sideline him for Sunday’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
The 2025 first-round pick, who suffered the injury during a third-quarter fumble chase in last week’s 24-20 loss to the Chicago Bears, remains in protocol but was spotted at practice doing light stretches earlier this week.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that people both inside the Giants’ building and outside have encouraged Dart to ease up and avoid taking so many big hits. He’s already been evaluated for a concussion four times as a rookie (once in the preseason).
During the same week in which the New York Giants made major changes, they also advocated to Jaxson Dart that he strongly consider making some of his own.
People both inside and outside the Giants organization spoke with Dart, who remains in concussion protocol, and urged the rookie quarterback to be more thoughtful and careful with when and how he runs.
Dart’s bold scrambles have fueled his success — 317 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in nine games, including a rookie-record five straight games with a score — but at a steep cost.
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Advisors warn that missing games undermines the team more than extra yards, emphasizing: “He can’t help if he’s not playing.”
Giants quarterbacks coach Shea Tierney has reviewed footage with Dart, highlighting the line between aggression and self-preservation, lessons previously drilled into Daniel Jones.
Critics blasted the Giants for negligence, citing delayed evaluation after Dart lay motionless from a brutal hit by Bears defenders Austin Booker and Jaquan Brisker — described by one fan as “malpractice” amid a pattern of prioritizing wins over health in a 2-8 season.
With Brian Daboll fired and Mike Kafka interim head coach, Jameis Winston starts in Dart’s absence
Earlier, in training camp, Dart doubled down on his tenacity: “When I’m on the field, I’m going to be aggressive in any situation… Being aggressive but not reckless.”
League observers question if the 223-pounder will adapt, lest his franchise future be jeopardized.
