Jaxson Dart on the field warming up for his first practice and appears to have no limitations as he looks to complete final steps of concussion protocol. Expect him to get the first team reps today #NYGiants pic.twitter.com/32RcFw5oFT

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) November 19, 2025

New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart was out on the playing field on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a concussion in Chicago on November 9.

Dart is still in the concussion protocol and was wearing the red non-contact jersey. The team is hopeful he will be ready for Sunday’s game versus the Detroit Lions in Week 12.

“If he’s healthy and cleared to go, then I’d like Jaxson Dart to play,” interim head coach Mike Kafka said on Wednesday. “It’s only if he’s healthy and ready to go, and that’s based on what the doctors have to say.”

Kafka also confirmed that veteran Jameis Winston, who started last week’s game at home against Green Bay, would be the primary backup over Russell Wilson should Dart return as the starter.

The deck isn’t entirely clear for Dart to return this week. Kafka said it was contingent on how each day went. Dart looked fine on Wednesday, but it’s only practice.

“It’s mostly just leaning on the medical,” said Kafka. “I mean, the quarterbacks don’t get hit during practice anyways. So, they’ve got to get creative in terms of getting that work in. But our medical staff does a great job of organizing that for us.”

Dart was injured during a play where he was attempting to gain a few extra yards during a rushing attempt. He was hit hard by two Bears defenders. His head hit the ground hard, and he fumbled the ball away. He was taken out of the game shortly after.

The Giants don’t want to have to put their hearts in their mouths every time Dart leaves the pocket with the football, but they would like him to play things closer to the vest with his health.

Kafka knows he must ingrain personal safety into Dart’s head, and soon, to protect him, but at the same time does not want to clip his wings, either.

“I think Jaxson, going through the whole draft process with him and understanding what kind of player he is, he’s an aggressive player, and that’s what we love about him,” said Kafka. “But obviously, you want to show him some examples that he can learn from.

“I think he’s going through that now, and I think he’ll continue to grow from those things. But at the end of the day, he is a competitor, and that’s why we love this guy. I think he’ll continue to learn and grow, but you don’t want to put a player like that in a box. Obviously, you want to show him the examples that he can improve on, and I think he’ll take that to the bank.”

It’s a fine line to toe, but the Giants don’t want Dart going the Tua Tagovailoa route.