Mike Kafka drops major Jaxson Dart injury update ahead of Giants' MNF matchup

When the New York Giants announced on Thursday that rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart had been medically cleared after missing two weeks with a concussion, it was good news on its own. The next question came right away: would he be ready for their Monday Night Football matchup against the New England Patriots?

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While fans were enjoying their Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing -- with a healthy side serving of football -- Big Blue announced that their first-round rookie signal-caller had officially cleared concussion protocol and was good to go.

Giants fans didn’t have to wait long to find out if he would start in primetime. Interim head coach Mike Kafka told reporters on Friday that the 22-year-old had not only cleared protocol but would also get the start:

Dart's start will be the eighth of his young NFL career. While it hasn't all been smooth sailing in his previous seven, going 2-5, he's clearly shown enough to be Big Blue's quarterback of the future.

Jaxson Dart to start vs Patriots on Monday Night Football

It surely hasn’t been the season anyone associated with the G-Men had hoped for. They sit at 2–10 and became the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs.

If that wasn’t enough, instead of buying fully into the “Jaxson Dart experience,” fans have been split on whether the 2025 25th overall pick should even take another snap the rest of the season. He’s missed two weeks due to his concussion against the Chicago Bears, been to the medical tent four times for evaluations, and his playstyle is likely to put him in more compromising positions unless things change fast.

There will be those who want him to sit for the rest of the season, but the truth is that it doesn’t necessarily work well for his development. The young quarterback needs in-game reps. The potential concerns of getting hurt don’t outweigh his need for legitimate snaps.

Backup quarterback Jameis Winston has been absolutely electric in his absence, even catching a touchdown pass on his first-ever reception. He gave them two chances to come away with two wins, with NY ultimately falling short in both because that's what this team does best.

Even still, the future is now. Dart is all the way back, and that at least gives them a chance against a red-hot Patriots team looking to extend their nine-game winning streak and stranglehold of the AFC playoff picture.

New England is no joke, but at least having the former Ole Miss standout under center gives them a fighting chance. Giants quarterbacks not named Jaxson Dart are a collective 0-5 this year. So, at least it won’t be guaranteed primetime embarrassment.