Jaxson Dart injury update: Giants QB exits game, replaced by Russell Wilson

On the New York Giants’ final drive of the third quarter against the Chicago Bears, quarterback Jaxson Dart appeared to suffer a head injury. After reaching the sideline, Dart entered the medical tent.

He was quickly evaluated by the Giants’ training staff before being taken to locker room to be evaluated for a concussion. The medical team ruled Dart out with a concussion, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Russell Wilson replaced Dart.

Before leaving the game, Dart was having a standout performance. He’d completed 19-of-his-29 pass attempts for 242 yards. Moreover, Dart had recorded 66 yards and two touchdowns on just six rushing attempts.

With the rushing scores, Dart became the first QB in NFL history to record a rushing touchdown in five consecutive games. On the play the injury occurred, Dart’s helmet nearly came off as he was tackled by multiple Bears defenders.

Dart began the season as Russell Wilson’s backup. However, he was named the team’s starter ahead of their Week 4 showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. Dart led the Giants to their first win of the season in his debut start and hasn’t looked back since.

Dart entered the game on Sunday with 1,175 passing yards, 251 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns, compared to just three interceptions. The Giants had no choice Sunday, but to play Dart’s concussion safe. In October, the NFL fined the Giants for their mishandling of a concussion evaluation on Dart in New York’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 9.

“The NFL and NFLPA concluded that the Giants violated the protocol when Head Coach Brian Daboll and running back Cam Skattebo entered the medical tent and spoke with Mr. Dart before his evaluation was complete, creating the perception that they were interfering with Dart’s exam,” the NFL wrote in a statement. “While the parties agreed that Coach Daboll’s and Mr. Skatebo’s actions had no actual impact on the exam or the care that Mr. Dart received, their conduct was inconsistent with and demonstrated a disregard for the concussion protocol’s requirements and therefore constituted a violation.”

The Giants can’t afford to lose Jaxson Dart to a long-term injury. In the team’s matchup against the Eagles on Oct. 26, rookie running back Cam Skattebo suffered an open tibia fracture and ruptured deltoid ligament, in addition to a right ankle dislocation.

Skattebo underwent surgery in Philadelphia that night. He is out for the remainder of the season.