Giants Rookie Jaxson Dart Set to Return from Concussion for Monday Night Test vs. Patriots

The New York Giants will have their franchise hopeful back under center on Monday night as rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has officially cleared concussion protocol. The team confirmed his availability heading into a primetime matchup against the New England Patriots, ending a two-game absence that slowed his early-season momentum.

Dart’s emergence has been one of the few bright spots in a difficult 2–10 season for New York. After beginning the year on the bench, the rookie seized the starting job and provided immediate production, showcasing the arm talent and mobility that made him the centerpiece of the Giants’ rebuild.

His concussion in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears briefly halted that progress, opening the door for veteran Jameis Winston to step in. Winston nearly pulled off an upset last week against the Detroit Lions in an overtime thriller, but the Giants made clear that Dart would regain the job once healthy.

Now fully cleared after participating in practice throughout the week, Dart returns with a firm grasp on the team’s long-term plans — and a difficult defensive test looming on the other side.

1. Dart’s Rise and Brief Setback

Dart didn’t open the season as the Giants’ starting quarterback, but his ascent was swift once he stepped onto the field. His blend of accuracy, decision-making, and athleticism helped spark an offense that had struggled to establish consistency early in the year. Before the injury, he had thrown for 1,417 yards and 10 touchdowns with just three interceptions, good for a 64.7 QBR — an impressive mark for a first-year starter on a rebuilding roster. His impact on the ground has been equally notable, with seven rushing touchdowns showcasing his strength and agility in tight spaces. The concussion suffered against Chicago forced him into protocol, delaying what had been a promising stretch of development. Despite not being fully cleared until late in the week, Dart practiced as a full participant, signaling his steady recovery. With the Giants out of playoff contention, his return is less about the standings and more about continuing valuable reps that will shape his long-term trajectory at the position.

2. A Tough Patriots Defense Awaits

Dart’s return comes against a Patriots defense that has been one of the league’s most disciplined units under head coach Mike Vrabel. New England enters Week 13 limiting opponents to just 301 yards per game, ranking eighth in the NFL in total defense. Their scoring defense mirrors that success, allowing only 18.8 points per game — also eighth in the league — making them one of the stingiest units in red-zone situations. The run defense has been especially formidable, giving up just 87.7 rushing yards per game, the second-fewest in the NFL. For Dart, that likely means a heavier emphasis on the passing game. The Patriots sit closer to the middle of the pack against the pass, offering a potential avenue for the rookie to find rhythm early and test the secondary. Still, with a young quarterback returning from injury and an aggressive defense on the other side, Monday night poses one of Dart’s most challenging assignments to date.

3. What Monday Night Means for New York

While the Giants sit miles out of contention at 2–10, Monday night remains an important benchmark for the franchise. Every game provides data for the coaching staff as they continue evaluating and building around Dart as the centerpiece of their offensive future. The matchup also offers a chance to measure the rookie’s poise and command against a structured, experienced defense known for exploiting mistakes. How Dart processes pressure and manages the pace of the game will be key areas of focus. New York’s staff has spent the past month emphasizing incremental progress rather than late-season wins, but competitive outings with Dart under center help reinforce optimism heading into 2026. His ability to extend plays, create scoring opportunities in the red zone, and limit turnovers has already given the team reason to believe. A strong or even steady performance against New England would further cement his standing as the organization’s long-term answer at quarterback.