Giants Await Jaxson Dart’s Return as Rookie Nears Key Step in Concussion Protocol

The New York Giants’ 2025 season has unraveled quickly, leaving a once-hopeful roster searching for stability and direction. At 2–9 and already operating under an interim head coach following Brian Daboll’s dismissal, New York enters Week 12 with little left to play for but development, evaluation, and glimpses of what the future may hold. One of the few bright spots for the franchise has been rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, whose return has become the central storyline for a team desperate for momentum.

Dart has missed time since suffering a concussion in Week 10, a setback that halted some of the limited progress New York had managed to generate. With Jameis Winston filling in during Week 11, the Giants offense struggled to sustain drives or create explosive plays, underscoring how much the rookie’s presence has meant to their competitiveness. Every win the Giants have secured this season has come with Dart under center, a reflection of both his potential and the team’s reliance on him.

This week may finally bring movement. According to Giants reporter Art Stapleton, Dart is expected to enter Phase 4 of the NFL’s concussion protocol on Wednesday—an important step that permits participation in non-contact practice activities. For a quarterback, whose practices are non-contact by default, that opens the door for meaningful work with the first-team offense.

If Dart shows no symptoms and continues to progress through the protocol, he could be positioned to return as early as Sunday. For a locker room seeking direction and a fan base looking for optimism, the possibility of seeing their rookie starter back on the field offers a rare point of encouragement.

1. Dart Nearing a Return

Phase 4 of concussion protocol represents a critical threshold for players recovering from head injuries, allowing them to resume football-specific activities without contact. For Dart, this means he can participate in Wednesday’s session with relatively few restrictions and could take the majority of first-team reps if cleared by medical staff. That would mark his most substantial involvement since leaving the Week 10 matchup against Chicago. Dart suffered the concussion on a scramble where he absorbed a heavy hit, ultimately exiting the game and missing the remainder of the contest. His absence forced the Giants to turn to Winston the following week, and although the veteran performed capably, the offense lacked the mobility and playmaking that Dart brings when healthy. Returning to practice would not guarantee clearance for Sunday, but it would significantly raise the chances. Medical specialists still need to ensure Dart remains symptom-free and completes the final step in the protocol, which includes full-contact work and final neurological approval. If successful, he would be available for New York’s home matchup against the Detroit Lions. Given the team’s record, the focus is no longer on postseason stakes but on the developmental arc of its young quarterback. His ability to finish the season strong could influence offseason decisions, roster structuring, and long-term planning under a retooled coaching staff.

2. Learning to Play Smarter

While the Giants are eager for Dart’s return, they also want to see growth in his approach to in-game situations. The rookie is known for his toughness and willingness to fight for extra yardage, but those instincts have also contributed to some of the punishment he has taken. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, both team personnel and external voices have urged Dart to become more selective about the hits he absorbs. The coaching staff believes Dart’s competitive spirit is an asset but feels his longevity will depend on learning when to slide, step out of bounds, or avoid unnecessary contact. In a season already marked by injuries and instability, they see protecting the franchise quarterback as a long-term priority. The concussion only heightened those concerns. Schefter noted that multiple individuals connected to the organization approached Dart directly to encourage adjustments to his running style. Their message was not about reducing aggression but about protecting himself from situations that could jeopardize his availability—or his career—moving forward. If Dart is cleared to play Sunday, his response to that advice will be closely monitored. Evaluating whether the rookie incorporates safer habits under pressure may be as important as assessing his production against Detroit.

3. A Team Searching for Direction

The Giants’ struggles this season extend beyond quarterback play, but Dart’s availability undeniably shifts the team’s competitive outlook. When he is in the lineup, New York has looked more dynamic and confident, even with a roster still undergoing transition. His command of the offense, mobility, and creativity offer glimpses of what the future could hold once more pieces fall into place. For the front office, seeing Dart continue his development over the final stretch is crucial. With major offseason decisions looming—ranging from staff restructuring to talent acquisition—understanding what they truly have in their rookie starter will influence their long-term blueprint. The upcoming Week 12 matchup against the Lions presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Detroit’s defense has shown improvement this season, offering a meaningful test if Dart returns. Regardless of the result, the priority for New York remains establishing stability and nurturing the growth of its most important young player. As the Giants navigate a difficult season, the potential return of Dart is one of the few storylines capable of generating energy and optimism. Whether he appears on Sunday or later, his progression continues to shape the direction of the franchise.