Jaxson Dart Evaluated for Concussion as Giants Fall to Commanders

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart was removed from Sunday’s game for a concussion evaluation during the fourth quarter of a 29–21 loss to the Washington Commanders, a decision that surprised the rookie and added another data point to a recurring issue during his first NFL season. The loss dropped the Giants to 2–12 and extended their losing streak to eight games.

The evaluation occurred with 11:38 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Giants had first-and-goal from the 1-yard line when Dart faked a pitch to running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. and ran up the middle. He was sandwiched by Commanders defensive linemen Eddie Goldman and Javon Kinlaw, and his neck bent awkwardly on the play. Goldman also went down and was examined for a concussion. Officials quickly signaled for the Giants’ athletic training staff, and Dart was escorted to the sideline and into the blue medical tent.

Dart missed two plays while being examined. Veteran quarterback Jameis Winston entered the game during that stretch. Dart was later cleared and returned, but the Giants failed to convert the opportunity when he threw an incompletion into the end zone on fourth down.

“It was a big thing that happened in the game,” Dart said.

Interim head coach Mike Kafka said the request for an evaluation came from the officiating crew. He said Dart was fine after the check.

The removal was the fifth time in 10 games dating back to the preseason that Dart has left a game to be examined for a concussion. The attention surrounding his health follows a Week 10 incident against the Chicago Bears, when Dart hit his head hard on the ground at the end of a run and fumbled. He lay motionless for several seconds and did not attempt to recover the ball, but returned for the Giants’ next series. After two more plays, he was tested between the third and fourth quarters, diagnosed with a concussion, and missed the next two games.

Dart said he did not know whether that situation influenced Sunday’s decision. He also said the play was not designed as a quarterback run and that he was attempting to get back to the line of scrimmage rather than force a throw.

“I didn’t feel like it was that big of a hit at all,” Dart said.

The Giants had not called any designed runs for Dart the previous week against the New England Patriots, which was his first game back after missing two games due to the concussion sustained against Chicago. They did call designed runs on Sunday, but the team said that was not the intention on the goal-line play.

Dart finished the game 20-of-36 for 246 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He went 0-for-5 when pressured in the first half. He also rushed for 63 yards. The Giants again had the ball late while trailing by one score and did not come back.

“I take accountability for this one,” Dart said. “I didn’t play well enough today for this team to win.”

Several plays contributed to the outcome. Washington rookie Jaylin Lane returned a punt 64 yards for a touchdown late in the first half. Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton dropped two passes, one that would have resulted in a first down and another that could have gone for a touchdown. Center John Michael Schmitz committed a personal foul for excessive yapping with Commanders players on a third-quarter drive. Kicker Younghoe Koo missed two field goals from beyond 50 yards into the wind. Washington also scored on a 51-yard touchdown pass from Marcus Mariota to Terry McLaurin, who beat safety Dane Belton in coverage and broke a tackle attempt by cornerback Paulson Adebo.

Dart said the Giants’ losses have come down to an inability to finish games consistently in the fourth quarter.

After the loss, sportsbooks listed the Minnesota Vikings as road favorites for the Giants’ Week 16 game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, December 21. Opening odds had Minnesota favored by 2.5 points. Subsequent listings across major sportsbooks ranged from Vikings -1.5 to -3. The total opened at 42.5 points and later moved into the 43.5 to 44.5 range.