The NFL confirmed Jaxson Dart's blue tent visit was a "standard medical timeout" after the New York Giants quarterback questioned why he keeps getting evaluated for concussions
Jaxson Dart was checked for a concussion during New York's preseason opener
Jaxson Dart was checked for a concussion during New York's preseason opener(Image: Getty)
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The NFL brushed aside New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart's frustration over being sent to the blue medical tent for the sixth time since entering the league, with the league confirming Monday that Saturday's evaluation followed standard protocol.
Dart was checked for a concussion during New York's preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings after taking a big hit from safety Jay Ward, remaining down on the turf for several seconds before being required to undergo the league's screening process.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Dart expressed frustration with the recurring pattern. "I really respect the rules, and the thought behind, you know, the NFL has of keeping players healthy and reviewing things," Dart said.
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He added: "But at the same time, I'm 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 that's all that I'm gonna say about that situation."
NFL chief spokesman Brian McCarthy responded directly to the situation in a statement to Pro Football Talk. "This was a standard medical timeout," McCarthy said.
According to the NFL's protocol, each game features three unaffiliated neurotrauma consultants along with two independent certified athletic trainers, with the booth-based personnel having access to video replay and the authority to stop play for a medical evaluation if they observe concerning impact or injury behavior.
Multiple factors from Saturday's play likely contributed to triggering the review, including Ward having a free run at Dart, a visible whiplash effect on impact, Dart's head striking the artificial turf, and the quarterback not immediately moving after hitting the ground.
Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor offered his own theory on why Dart continues to draw scrutiny.
"If a normal QB takes that hit, I'm sure not much is going to be said about it," Eluemunor said. "But, you know, when we play in New York and it's Jaxson Dart, I'm assuming people are going to make it bigger than it actually is. I guess that is just the reality we live in right now."
Giants rookies Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo dancing together
Giants rookies Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo were standout performers in an otherwise bleak season(Image: Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
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Head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged being surprised by the stoppage but ultimately defended the process.
"Honestly, I was surprised," Harbaugh said. "But I would say that their job is to err on the side of player safety, so I can't argue with that either."
Once cleared, Dart returned to the field and immediately threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Malachi Fields on his first play back, connecting on a sidearm throw while scrambling left. He finished the day 3-of-4 passing for 26 yards with a touchdown, though he was sacked twice, in what proved to be his final series of the afternoon.
Dart, who was diagnosed with a concussion last season that cost him two games, made clear he has no intention of pulling back his aggressive playing style despite the repeated evaluations. "I never thought that I was going to be taken out," Dart said. "So I'm going to keep playing until they tell me I'm not playing. I want to be out there."