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Jaxson Dart is no stranger to taking hits in his rookie season.
It just so happens that the latest one might be the thing that sidelines the New York Giants‘ emerging star. The rookie exited Week 10 and was ruled out with a concussion, meaning Dart is now at the mercy of the league’s protocol.
New York has already lost Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers to season-ending injuries in 2025. While Dart’s season likely isn’t over, it’s another hit to a team that hopes to be trending in the right direction. The rookie has shined since taking over as a starter, allowing Giants fans to dream of what the future might hold.
Now his potential absence could transport those fans right back to the reality they have lived for years.
Here’s a look at how much time Dart could miss.
How long is Jaxson Dart out?
Dart is in concussion protocol and cannot return until he clears it.
The Giants quarterback suffered a head injury during the team’s Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears, departing early in the fourth quarter. He was evaluated in the blue medical tent and then taken back to the locker room before being ruled out with a concussion.
It marked Dart’s fourth concussion check of the season, which dates back to the preseason, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
The rookie has taken plenty of hits as a runner and a passer during his short stint as the starter. Those hits have piled up, which could be concerning for the quarterback moving forward.
Dart’s immediate road ahead is difficult, since the protocol makes it hard for a player to be cleared and play the following week.
If he is unable to play, it appears likely that Russell Wilson would get the start. Wilson came in to replace the injured Dart, but New York also has a veteran presence as QB3 – Jameis Winston.
Given Wilson’s struggles, it remains to be seen if Winston would be given a chance if Dart isn’t cleared.
What is concussion protocol in the NFL?
The NFL’s concussion protocol is designed to ensure a player’s safety after suffering a head injury. It’s a five-step process that a player has to clear before they can return to play. Those steps are, as defined by the NFL:
Symptom-limited activityAerobic exerciseFootball-specific exerciseClub-based non-contact training drillsFull football activity/clearance
Before a player enters the protocol, they are evaluated on the sideline. The tests are conducted by the team’s physician and an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant. The evaluation includes observing any “no-go” symptoms, which are things like loss of consciousness, confusion, amnesia and more, in addition to history of concussions, other signs/symptoms and video review.
At that point, a neurological exam is conducted and the player is escorted to the locker room if the sideline evaluation leaves any doubt.
Dart now has a checklist of things to complete if he hopes to return in Week 11.
Giants QB depth chartJaxson DartRussell WilsonJameis Winston
Dart took over as the starter after Wilson was ineffective earlier in the season. The rookie transformed the offense and has flashed in his young career, showing plenty of promise for the future.
Wilson is in the twilight of his career, but continues to seek opportunities to play. Winston hasn’t played in 2025 and was made the third-string quarterback following training camp.