Another big hit meant another trip to the blue medical tent for New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart this past Saturday, and the second-year signal-caller is flat out confused why it keeps happening. Dart took a monster shot during the 13-10 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings, forcing him off the field for a concussion evaluation. While he was thankfully cleared early in the second quarter, saying he only had the wind knocked out of him, this isn’t a one-off thing.
The Blue Tent Is Becoming Dart’s Second Home
This recent evaluation just continued a pattern that is way too familiar for Dart. The guy was checked for a concussion a whopping five times during his rookie season. Think about that for a second: five times! He did get diagnosed with one concussion last year, an injury that ultimately sidelined him for two games. That’s real playing time missed. You can feel the frustration when he talks about it. Dart himself said, “As far as the blue tent, I really respect the rules and the thought behind NFL has of keeping players healthy and reviewing things. But at the same time, I’m still puzzled by it just feeling like every time that I get hit, I find my way in there.” It’s tough when you’re a player trying to compete, but your body keeps sending you to the sidelines for checks.
Is The Spotlight Too Bright On Dart?
The NFL’s concussion protocols are no joke, designed to flag potential head injuries fast, especially after significant contact. And with Dart’s history, it makes sense his hits are getting extra attention from medical staff. But Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor thinks there’s more to it than just the protocols; he believes the scrutiny around Dart is intensified because of who he is and where he plays. Eluemunor straight up said, “If a normal QB takes that hit, I’m sure not much is going to be said about it. But, you know, when we play in New York and it’s Jaxson Dart, I’m assuming people are going to make it bigger than it actually is.” Dart’s willingness to extend plays and absorb contact has always been part of his game, but it’s clear protecting himself is going to be crucial as he navigates his second NFL season.
For now, the big news from Saturday is that Dart was cleared, which is a massive relief. But after yet another medical evaluation, the quarterback is still trying to figure out why almost every big hit sends him back to that tent. Giants fans have to be holding their breath every time he takes a shot. Keeping their starting QB on the field is paramount, and this trend is a serious concern for the season ahead.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply