The Giants have decided not to wait until the last moment to see if rookie quarterback Jackson Dart could clear the NFL’s concussion protocols, officially ruling him out at the start of the practice week.
This raises a few questions. Is his concussion perhaps more serious than expected? Could he potentially miss multiple games? Or is this choice simply a precaution?
Interim head coach Mike Kafka, who was previously the offensive coordinator under Brian Daboll—who was let go after Dart’s injury last Sunday against the Bears—opted not to disclose the severity of the situation. “It was really nice to see him around the facility and with the team. Whatever the doctors feel is best for him, that’s what we’re going to follow,” he noted.
Thinking back to the game, Dart had a fumble that resulted in him being quite vulnerable, with his head on the ground and his body appearing limp. Following the incident, he remained on the bench and had discussions with QB coach Shea Tierney while the Bears aimed for a field goal.
Dart managed to come back for a couple of plays between the third and fourth quarters but was then subjected to concussion evaluation by the Giants’ medical staff. This drew attention, as some felt he should have gone through an independent evaluation, which might have caught some signs that were overlooked.
Kafka highlighted this concern, mentioning that Dart’s voice didn’t seem right; it just felt off. “Out of respect for him and his well-being, we decided it was best to have him tested,” he explained. “Our coaches acted quickly to alert the doctors, and I think that was crucial.”
Earlier this season, the Giants faced a $250,000 fine for not adhering strictly to concussion protocols, with Daboll receiving a $100,000 penalty personally.
Unfortunately, none of the other three players on the roster who experienced concussions this season will be available for the upcoming game. Looking back, it’s interesting to note that Daniel Jones was able to return without missing any games following a concussion in 2021, even after a close call when he almost collapsed.
In roster updates, WR Isaiah Hodgins has been promoted from the practice squad to the Steelers’ 53-man roster, a move fans were anticipating after Malik Nabors was injured in late September. Hodgins hasn’t played this season but accumulated 56 catches for 593 yards and seven touchdowns over the last three seasons with the Giants, so he should fit right into Kafka’s system.
The team did lose WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey to the Broncos on Tuesday after he was removed from the practice squad without making it onto the 53-man roster.
Injuries continue to be a concern. K. Graham Gano, who has been dealing with a herniated disc, had hoped to avoid another stint on injured reserve. Special teams coordinator Michael Gobrial mentioned that Gano was feeling confident heading into this week, despite the challenges.
This week will also see Yonghoe Gu taking on some responsibilities as the team gears up for the next challenges ahead.
LB Trace Ford has joined the practice squad, while LB Neville Hewitt is back participating in practice, albeit with restrictions due to a foot injury. Additionally, injuries are also impacting RT Jermaine Elemunor, LB Demetrius Flanigan-Fowles, and TE Thomas Fidone, who were all added to the injury report as their situations develop.
