The New York Giants have advised quarterback Jaxson Dart to protect himself more on the field as he continues to recover from a concussion, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Schefter reported Sunday the team “urged the rookie quarterback to be more thoughtful and careful with when and how he runs.”
Dart has entered the concussion protocol four times since entering the NFL. Most recently, he was knocked out of New York’s 24-20 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 10.
The Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll after that defeat, and ESPN’s Jordan Raanan posited that Dart’s multiple concussion scares played a role in the decision. A 2-8 record was obviously a major consideration as well.
New York’s woes haven’t been because of Dart, as he’s putting together a strong debut campaign with 1,417passing yards, 10touchdowns and threeinterceptions along with 317rushing yards and seventouchdowns on the ground.
As with any first-year QB, Dart has faced a learning curve, and part of that process is understanding how he can’t afford to put his body on the line so much.
“Dart has a propensity not only for running but also being ultra aggressive in trying to gain extra yardage — often at the expense of his own well-being,” Schefter wrote. “It was how he suffered his concussion last week, fumbling on a third-quarter run in the Giants’ 24-20 loss to the Bears.”
The NFL insider added that “Dart has been told over and over, especially this past week, that missing games hurts his team more than not gaining extra yards.”
For now, Russell Wilson began the year as New York’s starter before the team turned to Dart after three games. Jameis Winston, rather than the 10-time Pro Bowler, will get the starting nod for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.
Dart might be cleared in time for a Nov. 23 date with the Detroit Lions. By that point, maybe he will have started to alter his playing style in a way that lowers his risk of another injury.
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