EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The full Jaxson Dart experience was on display Saturday afternoon at MetLife Stadium. The New York Giants quarterback’s preseason debut in his second season felt like an extension of his rollercoaster rookie year, complete with a requisite visit to the sideline medical tent.The hit that sent Dart for a concussion check was not the result of him playing recklessly or failing to protect himself while running the ball. Instead, it was a pass protection breakdown that left blitzing Vikings safety Jay Ward unblocked off the right edge. With Dart looking to his left, he didn’t see Ward until the safety’s helmet crashed into his chest.Dart lay motionless for a moment before getting up as the first quarter ended. The independent concussion spotters signaled for Dart to get examined during the break between quarters, so he made the familiar trek to the hastily erected blue tent.Top Plays from Vikings @ GiantsIt was a scene that took place five times last season, when Dart was only diagnosed with one concussion, which caused him to miss two games. As was the case on four of those checks last season, Dart was quickly cleared Saturday. He missed only two plays, including a 40-yard catch-and-run on a screen by running back Devin Singletary to put the ball deep in Vikings territory.Dart returned to the field for a second-and-12 from Minnesota’s 15-yard line. On his first snap, Dart dropped back and couldn’t find an open receiver, so he escaped from the pocket to his left and flipped the ball into the end zone to rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields, who used his 6-foot-4 frame to snatch the ball over 5-foot-10 linebacker Ivan Pace.That was Dart’s final play, as he was removed after completing 3-of-4 passes for 26 yards. His performance included the improvised touchdown pass, two sacks and the trip to the tent. It all felt very familiar as Dart kicked off his second season under new coach John Harbaugh.“I really respect the rules and the thought behind the NFL has of keeping players healthy and reviewing things, but at the same time, I’m still puzzled by it just feeling like every time that I get hit, I find my way in there,” Dart said. “Which at times, I still try to wrap my head around, but that’s all that I’m going to say about that situation. I’m really happy with how the drive ended.”Harbaugh bluntly said, “We need to block better,” when describing the hit on Dart. Dart attributed it to a miscommunication in the protection scheme. Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. was late to recognize Ward’s blitz and whiffed as the safety blew past him with a direct line to Dart.
The Jaxson Dart rollercoaster ride continues in Giants’ eventful preseason opener
Dart's 2026 preseason debut felt like an extension of his rollercoaster rookie year, complete with a visit to the sideline medical tent.








