Jaxson Dart clears concussion protocol, in line to start Giants' game against Patriots on Monday night
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Chicago. Credit: AP/Nam Y. Huh
Jaxson Dart is back for the Giants.
The team announced Thursday that Dart cleared concussion protocol after being evaluated by an independent neurologist. That puts the rookie quarterback in line to start Monday night against the Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Dart missed the Giants’ last two games after being injured in the third quarter of the Week 10 loss to the Bears. It was the fourth time he was evaluated for a concussion since the preseason, but he cleared the previous three evaluations immediately.
Interim coach Mike Kafka said Dart was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. He was a projected full participant in Thursday’s injury report as the Giants had the day off.
“If he’s ready to play, like just any player, if they’re ready to play, then we have a plan for him and we’ll put him in,” Kafka said Wednesday.
Dart was limited in practice last week as a non-contact participant. Because quarterbacks already are non-contact in Giants practice, Dart split first-team reps with Jameis Winston before he was ruled out last Friday.
Winston started in Dart’s absence in the Giants’ losses to the Packers and Lions. Kafka said Winston will remain the backup ahead of Russell Wilson.
The Giants (2-10) will bring a six-game losing streak and a franchise-record 12-game road losing streak into Monday night’s game against a 10-2 Patriots team that has won nine straight games.
In seven starts, Dart threw for 10 touchdowns and three interceptions and rushed for seven additional scores. Even though he’s been in protocol, he’s been an active participant in meetings and also traveled to last week’s game in Detroit.
“We’re still having the same conversations,” Winston said Wednesday. “He’s still putting in his work and hopefully this week he’ll be able to bounce back and help lead us to a win.”
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.
