Rookie Quarterback Jaxson Dart Diagnosed with Concussion Following Giants’ Fourth-Quarter Collapse Against Bears

CHICAGO, IL – November 17, 2024 – New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart was diagnosed with a concussion in the second half of Sunday’s 24-20 road loss to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The first-round pick’s departure significantly impacted the Giants’ late-game performance, contributing to their inability to maintain a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.

The incident occurred during the third quarter when Dart, attempting to recover a fumble, sustained a hard hit from the side by a Bears defensive lineman tracking back on the play. Dart’s head made contact with the ground following the collision. He initially rose slowly, remaining on his knees for several seconds before walking to the sideline under his own power. Despite the visible impact, Dart returned to the game for the subsequent drive, participating in two plays before heading into the blue medical tent between quarters for further evaluation. Following this, he was observed walking slowly to the locker room accompanied by a trainer, and the team officially ruled him out for the remainder of the contest later in the fourth quarter.

Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll addressed the media post-game, expressing concern over his young quarterback’s injury. "Yeah, it’s unfortunate," Daboll stated. "Unfortunately, he got hurt." Elaborating on the sequence of events leading to Dart’s removal, Daboll explained that the medical staff intervened after observing the quarterback between quarters. "So, with Dart it was going back out on the field, just didn’t seem right. So called the trainers over and said, ‘Let’s get him out and make sure he gets looked at,’" Daboll recounted. "So, he went in and got looked at, evaluated for concussion." Daboll further indicated that the team’s awareness was heightened by an observation from the sideline, adding that "somebody said something" which signaled that Dart was not functioning normally.

The severity of the situation did not immediately register with all of Dart’s teammates on the field. Guard Greg Van Roten described the moment the offensive line became aware of the change. "I don’t remember what the stoppage was. But Austin went over to take snaps over with Russ and we saw the blue tent up, and we just kind of assumed, like, all right, I guess something happened to Jaxson at some point," Van Roten explained. "And, you know, he was out. And that was it." This illustrates the often subtle nature of concussion symptoms and the reliance on astute observation and robust protocols for player safety.

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Upon Dart’s exit, veteran quarterback Russell Wilson stepped in to lead the Giants’ offense. Wilson completed 3 of 7 passes for 45 yards and added 12 rushing yards on two carries. The Giants held a 20-10 lead in the fourth quarter when Dart departed, but were unable to sustain their advantage. Wilson led an initial drive downfield that stalled at the 1-yard line, failing to convert a crucial touchdown opportunity. "We have to find a way to get a touchdown there," Wilson commented on the missed opportunity. The Giants subsequently went three-and-out on their next possession with Wilson at quarterback and ultimately failed to mount a game-winning drive in the final minute.

This loss marked the Giants’ franchise-record 11th consecutive road defeat, extending a concerning trend for the organization. Furthermore, it represented their fourth loss of the season when leading by double digits. The team also etched an undesirable historical footnote, becoming only the second team since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger to lose multiple games in a single season after holding a lead of 10 or more points in the final four minutes of the fourth quarter, a distinction previously held solely by the 2004 Seattle Seahawks. The Giants’ overall record now stands at 2-8.

Looking ahead, Coach Daboll remained non-committal regarding the starting quarterback position for next week’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers. When asked directly if Wilson would start should Dart be unavailable, Daboll did not provide a definitive answer. The Giants also have veteran Jameis Winston on their roster, providing another option at the position. Wilson, for his part, indicated that he began preparing to enter the game after observing Dart’s slow recovery from the fumble. "He made a great effort trying to make a play. He did a good job just trying to be tough and all that," Wilson stated. "I was just prepared. You always have to be ready to go."

Prior to his injury, Dart had been delivering another impressive performance. He completed 19 of 29 passes for 242 yards and added 66 rushing yards on six carries, scoring two rushing touchdowns. With these scores, Dart made NFL history, becoming the first rookie quarterback to record a rushing touchdown in five consecutive games, highlighting his unique dual-threat capabilities.

Dart’s impact on the Giants’ offense since taking over as the starter in Week 4 has been immediate and substantial. In his seven starts, he has accounted for 17 total touchdowns, injecting a much-needed dynamic element into the team’s attack. Despite his individual brilliance, the Giants have compiled a 2-5 record in those contests, reflecting broader team struggles.

However, Dart’s aggressive playing style and the Giants’ offensive scheme, which often incorporates designed quarterback runs, have subjected him to a significant number of hits. Since becoming the starter in Week 4, Dart has been contacted the second-most of any quarterback in the league, averaging nearly 13 hits per contest. The concussion sustained on Sunday marks the fourth time Dart has been evaluated for a concussion this year, including instances during the preseason.

When questioned about the frequency of hits Dart has been taking, Coach Daboll reiterated his previous sentiment. "I’d just say it’s unfortunate that he got hurt," he stated, without directly addressing the strategic implications of the hit count. The Giants coaching staff has consistently emphasized their reluctance to stifle Dart’s natural aggressiveness, recognizing it as a fundamental component of his effectiveness and appeal.

Dart himself has acknowledged the need to balance his competitive drive with player safety. In an interview earlier in the week, he reflected on the challenge. "Maybe a little bit. That’s definitely something that when you watch the tape back on, you try to think of those moments where you can save your body, a hit or not," Dart remarked. "At the same time, it’s really hard for me in those moments because I just want to compete. Ultimately, I just want to score." He further underscored his commitment to his playing philosophy, adding, "I’m going to play the game the way I want to play the game."

The immediate future of the Giants’ quarterback position remains uncertain as Dart enters the NFL’s concussion protocol. The team will now prepare to face the Green Bay Packers next week, with the starting quarterback decision hanging in the balance, a critical factor for a team striving to salvage its season.

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