The New York Giants walked into Week 12 knowing their margin for error in Detroit was small, yet Jaxson Dart’s midweek progress finally gave them something to build on. He returned to the field on Wednesday in a red non-contact jersey, which marked his first appearance since the November 9 concussion in Chicago. The Giants still opened as 10-point underdogs, but his potential return is the only reason that line has not shifted further.
> X post by Jordan Raanan revealed: “_The Giants have their work cut out for them this week in Detroit, which is coming off a loss to the Eagles. The Giants are still 10-point underdogs even though it seems likely that Jaxson Dart returns against the Lions.”_
> The Giants have their work cut out for them this week in Detroit, which is coming off a loss to the Eagles.
>
> The Giants are still 10-point underdogs even though it seems likely that Jaxson Dart returns against the Lions.
>
> — Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) [November 20, 2025](https://twitter.com/JordanRaanan/status/1991484839346991334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
**Jaxson Dart’s Expected Return Boosts the Giants, but Does Not Shift the Challenge in Detroit**
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New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) stands on the sideline during a Thursday Night Football game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Oct. 9, 2025.
The Giants have one central question in mind. Could Jaxson Dart clear the final phase of concussion protocol in time for Sunday? Interim head coach Mike Kafka told reporters on November 19 that Dart took part in practice as a limited, non-contact participant. That update placed him in step four of the league’s five-part process. He only needed a full session later in the week to receive clearance for the Detroit game.
That detail alone offered relief. Dart has been the clear spark in New York’s offense since replacing Russell Wilson in Week 4. His ability to push tempo, extend plays, and challenge defenses gave the Giants life during a season that has leaned heavily on development rather than results. The issue, Kafka believes, is about balancing faith in Dart’s edge – while showing him how to dodge reckless plays.
His concussion came on a rushing attempt where he tried to fight for extra yards. There, he absorbed a heavy shot from multiple Bears defenders, lost the ball, and left the game soon after. The staff wants him to stay aggressive, yet they also know the long-term risks if he does not manage contact better.
Detroit presents another layer of difficulty. The Lions just lost to the Eagles, so they’ll likely play a more formidable defense this time around at home. Though Dart’s getting closer to being cleared, the Giants realize it still won’t be an easy game either way. Without him, their offense had trouble moving the ball; sure, Jameis Winston kept things steady in Week 11, but the real spark comes back only if Dart returns.
The Giants remain confident he will finish the protocol, but they also understand that his return alone cannot erase the uphill battle in Detroit. It only gives them a chance to compete with something closer to their true identity.