New York Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka is going with Jameis Winston as the team’s starting quarterback on Sunday as rookie signal caller Jaxson Dart continues to progress through the NFL’s concussion protocol.
When Dart suffered his head injury during this past weekend’s loss to the Chicago Bears, now-former Giants head coach Brian Daboll inserted Russell Wilson as the quarterback replacement.
Wilson started the first three games of the 2025 season before losing his QB1 job to Dart. Winston has yet to take the field this season, serving as the Giants’ third-string option.
“I think Jameis has done a great job since he’s been here, just like all our quarterback room,” Kafka said after his quarterback announcement on Wednesday. “I got a lot of trust in that room, being in there all the time, pretty much every single day since we’ve been here. I got a good feel for those guys, and I think Jameis will do a heck of a job. I think he’s a great leader, he has a lot of production in this league, and I think he’s going to do a great job leading that group.”
Wilson spoke with reporters after his benching on Wednesday.
The veteran quarterback announced that he’s not asked for his release from the Giants organization, despite his demotion.
"I want to see it through. I haven't asked for my release or anything like that. I want to be here,” Wilson told reporters. “… I still want to keep playing football. I love it, obviously, and I feel like I still got it."
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After Dart’s exit on Sunday, Wilson completed three of his seven pass attempts for 45 yards as the Giants surrendered their fourth-quarter lead against the Bears. Through six game appearances this year, the 36-year-old quarterback has completed 58.0% of his pass attempts for 831 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.
With Wilson on the bench, Winston and the Giants will face off against the Green Bay Packers in a Week 11 matchup on Sunday afternoon.
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