Giants' Jaxson Dart upgraded and looks on track to return vs. Lions
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart before a game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 16 at MetLife Stadium. Credit: AP/Seth Wenig
Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is on track to play Sunday at Detroit as he was upgraded to being a non-contact participant at practice Wednesday.
Since quarterbacks typically don’t get hit during Giants practice, Dart's day was his closest to a normal routine after suffering a concussion two weeks ago against the Bears. He was listed as limited on the injury report, a good sign Dart is progressing through the final stages of concussion protocol.
Interim head coach Mike Kafka said Dart would start this weekend, pending any setbacks.
“If he’s healthy and cleared to go, then I’d like Jaxson Dart to play,” Kafka said before practice. “It’s only if he’s healthy and ready to go and that’s based on what the doctors have to say.”
Dart, who was unavailable to reporters because he’s still in protocol, went through opening stretches with the team. He was the first quarterback in line during individual drills in open portions of practice viewed by media.
Should Dart play Sunday, his backup will be Jameis Winston, Kafka said. Winston started last Sunday’s loss to the Packers and will stay ahead of Russell Wilson on the depth chart.
Dart's return was greeted warmly by teammates who felt his familiar energy on the field.
“I think he’s just always happy to be out there with us and be out here with the guys and at the end of the day, just being out there playing football,” receiver Wan’Dale Robinson said.
For Dart, it’ll be another adjustment after missing his first start since being promoted before Week 4. Kafka wasn’t worried that Dart could get back up to speed after a week off if he’s cleared to play.
“He was dialed into our game plans last week,” Kafka said. “I mean, he's been preparing like this even early in the season when he wasn't the starter, so I wouldn't expect anything different.”
Carter ready to move on
Abdul Carter was ready to move past his benching for the Giants’ opening series last Sunday. He said the past few days weren’t too tough as he tried to keep things in a greater perspective.
“I'm a very privileged person, a very blessed person,” Carter said. “I'm trying to take advantage of my opportunity that I have. So, it hasn't been that tough for me.”
Carter said again that he took ownership for missing the team walkthrough due to being in recovery getting treatment. He reaffirmed his love for the game and said that teammates have just told him to continue doing his job.
The situation was another part of his rookie education. It’s been difficult at times with Carter leading all rookies in pressures but still searching for his first full sack. For Carter, the losing has been harder to swallow than his individual stats.
“I try not to focus on the numbers aspect too much,” Carter said. “I feel like I've always said I'm more about winning and how the team is doing. So, if the team is doing good, I'm doing good. If the team is doing bad, then I'm not feeling good.”
Kafka once again gave full support to his linebacker and said Carter has earned more respect in the locker room how he handled everything. He didn’t expect anything to change with how Carter handles himself preparing for Sunday against the Lions.
“He practices his tail off, he plays his tail off, he's continuing to learn and grow as a young player,” Kafka said. “I'm proud of him for how he's handled these things."
Big Blue notes
The Giants opened RB Eric Gray’s 21-day practice window Wednesday. Gray was placed on the physically unable to perform list before the season with a knee injury. He was a full participant at practice. . . . DL Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder), Darius Slayton (hamstring), CB Cor’Dale Flott (personal) and CB Paulson Adebo (knee) didn’t practice Wednesday. TE Thomas Fidone II was also out with a foot injury while LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles and CB Rico Payton didn’t participate due to illness. . . . S Tyler Nubin (neck), DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches (toe/elbow) and DL Chauncey Golston (neck) were limited as was CB Deonte Banks (hip).
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
