Jaxson Dart Cleared to Return with the Giants
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart has been cleared to return to play after passing concussion protocol, preparing for his participation in Monday night’s game against the New England Patriots. Dart missed the previous two games due to a concussion suffered on November 9 against the Chicago Bears. Jameis Winston was the one who took over the starting role in his absence. Dart, selected in the first round this year, has started in seven games, accumulating 10 touchdown passes and running for seven more. The rookie’s return comes after fully participating in practice for the first time on Wednesday. The previous week, his participation in practice was limited. A source revealed that Dart was disappointed that he couldn’t play last Sunday in Detroit. Although he took reps earlier in the week as if he were going to be available, he was ultimately not cleared. Dart, who has been evaluated for concussion in four of his last eight games, including the preseason, was the first quarterback to practice on Wednesday, suggesting his possible return.The good news was confirmed on Thursday after Dart met with an independent neurologist, the final step in the protocol. Dart’s playing style has been a topic of discussion around the Giants. The team has not wanted to reduce its aggressiveness. Brian Daboll was fired the 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, aware that he cannot keep taking the same kind of hits. Dart is getting close to 10 hits per game.“Yes, we had the same plan as last week. We’ll keep it this week and see what happens with Jaxson in the protocol,” commented interim coach Mike Kafka on Wednesday.
Mike Kafka
The Giants (2-10) enter Monday night’s game on a six-game losing streak. They are currently in the midst of a 12-game road losing streak, a franchise record. Next week, the team will have a break. The Giants were hoping Dart could return for the primetime matchup.“The best ability is availability,” Winston said recently.
Jameis Winston
“We’re still having the same conversations as any other week. Last week, he was determined to play. It’s just that the NFL has a strict protocol and that’s what happened. I was grateful, but at the same time, I felt sorry for him because I know how much work he puts in and how he prepares, and I just told him I supported him. But we’re not doing anything different. We’re still having the same conversations. He’s still working and I hope that this week he can return and help us achieve a victory,” Winston commented on Wednesday.
Jameis Winston
