New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Getty
The NFL has announced its decision on punishment for the hit on New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart in the Chicago Bears game.
New York Giants fans received a Thanksgiving gift, as quarterback Jaxson Dart has cleared concussion protocol, allowing him to return to game action against the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football at Gillette Stadium.
He had suffered a concussion in the Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears and missed the last couple of weeks, with Jameis Winston filling in admirably in his place. However, Dart’s return will provide a boost to the New York offense, as he has taken the Giants to a new level since taking over as the starter back in Week 4 against the Chargers.
Dart Looked Ready To Return Last Week
Jaxson Dart appeared to be ready to make his return against the Lions after missing his first game against the Packers. He returned to practice last Wednesday and took non-contact reps throughout last week, giving him the potential to start last Sunday in Detroit.
With his limited participation in practice, Giants reporters had predicted that Dart would return to the lineup, but Jameis Winston got the nod for his second start on Friday. Winston delivered for New York despite the loss, as he threw for 366 yards and two touchdowns and even caught a touchdown pass from Gunner Olzewski.
Dart was unable to clear the concussion protocol in time to start on Sunday, with there being an emphasis on protecting the rookie quarterback. Under Brian Daboll’s leadership, Dart had executed 25 designed runs, the second most of any quarterback in the league.
The former Ole Miss quarterback’s fearless running style means that he embraces contact rather than avoiding it, which has resulted in him suffering multiple concussions, none more serious than the one that has held him out of game action for multiple weeks.
Jaxson Dart Is Having A Tremendous Rookie Season
Before suffering the concussion against Chicago, Dart was having an incredible rookie season, making it clear that he is the franchise quarterback New York was looking for when Joe Schoen traded back into the first round.
Dart went 13-20 in his first game against the Chargers, rushing for and throwing a touchdown pass to lead New York to a 21-18 upset victory. After a three-turnover performance in New Orleans, he went an efficient 17-25 for 195 yards with a passing and rushing touchdown to help lead the Giants to an emphatic 34-17 victory over the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Against the Broncos, Dart and the offense did everything they could to win the game, with the quarterback throwing for a career-high 283 yards and three touchdowns. Even with the defense melting down in the fourth quarter, Dart pushed his way into the end zone with just 37 seconds left to give New York the lead; the Broncos won on a last-second field goal, 33-32.
Even as the Giants started to stack up losses due to problems elsewhere, Dart continued to perform well, upping his season total to 1,417 yards with 10 touchdown passes to just three interceptions. As a willing and capable runner, he has 317 yards on the ground with seven rushing touchdowns as well.
With the Giants already eliminated from the playoffs, the season could seem lost. But with a player as electrifying as Dart has been, fans will fill the seats to see him light up opposing defenses the rest of the way. New York will be delighted to see the return of their rookie sensation under center as they take on Drake Maye and the Patriots this Monday night.