EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart has been cleared to return to play after clearing concussion protocol on Thursday. This sets him up for potential participation on Monday night against the New England Patriots. Dart missed the previous two games due to a concussion suffered on November 9 against the Chicago Bears. In his absence, Jameis Winston took over as the starter. Dart, selected in the first round this year, has started in seven games, accumulating 10 touchdown passes and scoring seven touchdowns on the ground. The rookie returns after participating in the full practice for the first time on Wednesday. The previous week, his participation was limited. A source revealed that Dart was disappointed that he couldn’t play last Sunday in Detroit. Although he practiced at the beginning of the week with the intention of being available, he was ultimately not cleared. Dart, who has been evaluated for concussions in four of his last eight games, including the preseason, led Wednesday’s practice. This suggested his possible return. “We had the same plan as last week. We’ll keep it this week and see what happens with Jaxson in the protocol,” interim coach Mike Kafka said on Wednesday. On Thursday, after meeting with an independent neurologist, the news was confirmed. This is the last step of the protocol. Dart’s playing style has generated debate around the Giants. The team has chosen not to limit its aggressiveness. Brian Daboll was fired one day after Dart suffered the concussion. Kafka has been in charge of the plays all season. Several teammates have urged Dart to slide more and get out of bounds, when possible, near the sideline, recognizing the risk of the hits he takes. Dart takes about 10 hits per game.
The Giants (2-10) enter Monday’s game on a six-game losing streak. They are currently in the midst of a 12-game road losing streak, a franchise record. The following week, the team will have a break. Despite this, hopes of having Dart for the prime-time game were high. The starting quarterback was optimistic even before receiving final clearance on Thanksgiving Day.“The best ability is availability,” Winston recently commented.
Jameis Winston
“We’re still having the same conversations as any other week. Last week, he was determined to play. The NFL protocol is strict, and that’s what happened. I felt grateful, but also for him, because I know how much he works and how he prepares. I told him I supported him. We’re not doing anything different. We’re still having the same conversations. He keeps working and I hope that this week he can recover and help us win,” Winston said on Wednesday.
Jameis Winston
