New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart found himself in a familiar situation during Saturdayâs preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
Dart took a heavy hit from Vikings safety Jay Ward late in the first quarter and was sent to the blue medical tent for a concussion evaluation. He quickly cleared the check, returned to the field and threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to rookie Malachi Fields two snaps later. Dart finished 3-of-4 passing for 26 yards and the score in New Yorkâs 13-10 loss.
After the game, however, Dart expressed some frustration over how frequently he has been required to undergo evaluations, according to Pro Football Talkâs Mike Florio:
âI really respect the rules, and the thought behind, you know, the NFL has of keeping players healthy and reviewing things,â Dart told reporters. âBut at the same time, Iâm still puzzled by just feeling like every time that I get hit, you know, I just find my way in there. Which, at times, I still try to wrap my head around, but thatâs all that Iâm gonna say about that situation.â
Jaxson Dart continues to draw attention for physical playing style
Saturdayâs evaluation was hardly an isolated occurrence.
Dart underwent several concussion checks during his rookie season and missed two games because of a concussion. His willingness to absorb contact has been a frequent topic of discussion around the Giants as he enters his second NFL season.
This time, Dart later explained that the hit from Ward merely knocked the wind out of him. Still, independent concussion spotters can require a player to leave the field when they identify signs that warrant further evaluation.
Dart was asked afterward whether he had simply accepted that frequent trips to the tent could be part of his reality.
âThatâs all Iâm gonna say about that situation,â Dart said.
The quarterbackâs history adds another layer to the scrutiny.
Last season, the Giants were fined $200,000 and former head coach Brian Daboll received a $100,000 fine after an incident involving Dartâs concussion evaluation. Running back Cam Skattebo was also fined $15,000 after entering the tent during the evaluation.
That episode only reinforces why medical personnel are likely to remain especially cautious when Dart takes significant contact.
For New York, the larger concern is keeping its starting quarterback healthy. Dartâs aggressive style and willingness to extend plays helped define his rookie season, but those same traits have also exposed him to punishment.
Saturday provided another example. One play left him headed for an evaluation. Moments later, he was back on the field creating a touchdown.
Dart may remain puzzled by how often he ends up in the blue tent, but the Giants will gladly accept the extra caution if it helps keep their quarterback available when the regular season begins.
