The New York Giants finally found their next franchise quarterback, and now they’re stuck waiting to see when he can get back on the field. Jaxson Dart’s concussion against the Chicago Bears immediately put the entire season into a holding pattern, and everything since has revolved around updates on his progress.
For all the problems this team has had this season, the 25th overall pick has been the one thing worth tuning in for every week, which makes the whole situation feel a lot more uneasy than anyone would like.
There’s at least been a little optimism. The former Ole Miss standout was spotted on the practice field late last week, and multiple reports have suggested he’s trending in the right direction. That alone feels like progress considering he’s already been checked for a concussion four separate times this season — a direct indictment of his inability to protect himself from big hits.
Still, nothing matters until he clears the final pieces of the protocol. And on Monday, interim head coach Mike Kafka didn’t offer much in the way of clarity, which isn’t surprising given how early in the week it is:
“Jaxson’s still in the protocol. So I’m just gonna see that through, talk with the medical. And when they give us the thumbs up, we’ll take our next action.”
Mike Kafka gives latest on Jaxson Dart's concussion as Week 12 approaches
All of this should be expected. The G-Men aren’t going to commit to anything until the doctors tell them the 22-year-old is cleared for full activity, at least that's the way things will be under Kafka. No. 6 is likely somewhere around Phase 3 or 4 of the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol, which at least puts him in striking distance of playing in Detroit.
The even more encouraging part is that he’s been seen around the team again, which suggests there haven't been any setbacks in his recovery.
If he continues progressing, there’s a decent chance he gets on the field for a normal practice at some point this week before the Lions game. That would set him up for an independent neurological evaluation, and if that doctor signs off, he’s back under center. If not, the G-Men will likely roll with Jameis Winston again, who put together a solid enough performance to come away with a win.
Some will argue that sitting him for the rest of the season is the way to go — you know, so he doesn't hurt himself again. But if he's going to continue his development, he'll need legitimate playing time. So maybe learning how to slide could be a cool alternative.
Dart has been one of the lone bright spots in a season full of chaos, so his status naturally dictates the entire tone of the week. For now, everything sits in the hands of the protocol, and the Giants will wait for the nod that determines whether their rookie QB1 gets to take the field in Detroit.