The New York Giants’ already unlikely chances of upsetting the Detroit Lions in Week 12 took another hit Friday, as interim head coach Mike Kafka announced that 22-year-old quarterback Jaxson Dart has been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup.
Interim head coach Mike Kafka said QB Jaxson Dart is still in the concussion protocol and has been ruled out for Sunday’s game
— New York Giants (@Giants) November 21, 2025
Dart will miss his second straight game as he continues working through the league’s concussion protocol. That means veteran Jameis Winston will get the start once again, with Russell Wilson remaining in the backup role.
Related: Dan Campbell says the quiet part out loud about the Giants under Mike Kafka
The official ruling shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it’s still a letdown for fans hoping to see the rookie back in action. Dart was spotted at practice earlier in the week, which opened the door for a possible return. But since taking over for Brian Daboll, Kafka’s made it clear that player health comes first -- and he’s sticking to that.
Giants rule out Jaxson Dart ahead of Week 12 clash with Lions
Dart suffered the concussion in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears on a designed run. He took a big hit, lost the ball, and slammed his head against the turf. The injury wasn’t spotted right away -– which obviously isn’t great -- and he ended up playing a few more snaps before finally heading into the blue tent for evaluation.
His trip to the medical tent marked the fourth time this season, sparking plenty of frustration over how the G-Men have handled the future of the franchise. That kind of nonsense looks like it ends with Kafka.
Dart was enjoying an electric rookie season before suffering the injury. The wins will come, but in seven starts (2-5), the 25th overall pick has thrown for 1,417 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions, adding 317 yards and seven scores with his legs.
Fortunately, Big Blue has Famous Jameis in relief, which at least gives them a fighting chance. He stepped in last week against the Green Bay Packers and nearly pulled it off, throwing for 201 yards, rushing for a touchdown, and doing enough to win -- just not enough to finish it.
The Lions were going to be a tough matchup, even with the rookie under center. Without him, it might just be impossible. If anything, it's better draft position for the Giants, which is just where we're at now.
It stinks to see Dart sidelined, but Kafka’s playing the long game. And that’s the only call.