Well, so much for easing into it.
The New York Giants will roll out rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart for his first career NFL start this Sunday against the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers. And while the headlines will rightfully center on the 25th overall pick replacing Russell Wilson, it’s the injury report that might tell the real story of Week 4. Because if Dart’s going to keep New York from falling to 0-4, he’s going to need a lot more help than what was available at Wednesday’s practice.
New York is fresh off a deflating 22-9 loss to Kansas City in its home opener — a game that started ugly and never got better. The offense stalled, the crowd turned, and the team looked every bit like what the record says they are: winless. Now they face one of the league’s top defenses, with a new kicker, without a few key skill players, and still with only half a linebacker room.
Giants’ first Week 4 injury report is asking a lot of Jaxson Dart
Below is the Giants’ Week 4 injury report:
Did Not Participate in Practice:
- K Graham Gano (Groin)
- TE Theo Johnson (Toe)
- WR Malik Nabers (Shoulder)
- DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches Sr. (Foot)
- RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (Shoulder)
Limited in Practice:
- LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (Calf)
- DL Chauncey Golston (Ankle)
- CB Art Green (Hip)
- LB Darius Muasau (Concussion)
- C John Michael Schmitz (Neck)
- WR Darius Slayton (Calf)
- OT Andrew Thomas (Foot)
Let’s start with the good: Andrew Thomas being limited is actually great news — especially after 28 seemingly flawless snaps in Week 3. Barring a setback, he’s trending toward a full return Sunday, which is massive for the offense.
Especially since James Hudson was a weekly liability and the rookie Marcus Mbow, while solid, wasn’t drafted to hold up for 60 snaps against a top-10 defense on an island... just yet.
And with Khalil Mack out for the Chargers, Dart might have a fighting chance to stay upright. LA still brings pressure and ranks among the league’s best in success rate and pass defense, but not having to account for a future Hall of Famer off the edge is a break you gladly take.
But the rest? Pretty rough. Malik Nabers didn’t practice after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 3, and while he's likely fine, his absence always looms large. He’s the focal point of the offense. Tyrone Tracy Jr. is expected to miss a few weeks with a separated shoulder. Graham Gano’s already been ruled out, but in comes veteran Younghoe Koo to save the day, maybe.
The linebacker situation remains bleak. With Micah McFadden and Chris Board still on IR, and Flannigan-Fowles, Muasau, and even edge defender Chauncey Golston all still limited or sidelined, the group is just running out of warm bodies. It’s unclear who even starts next to Bobby Okereke.
This game was already going to be a trial by fire for Dart. The Chargers are a tough draw for a debut. If this injury list doesn’t shrink fast, it’ll be up to a rookie QB behind a patched-together lineup to salvage what’s left of the Giants’ September.