Giants rookie may make debut much sooner than expected

Dart being named QB No. 2 allows him to shuffle in and out of the game at will, whereas if he were No. 3 on the depth chart, then Daboll wouldn't be able to use Dart until the two quarterbacks ahead of him were ruled out of the game. 

The implications of Jaxson Dart playing for the Giants sooner than expected

Dart being named the backup quarterback isn't all that surprising, as it'll be easier to put him in the game if it's a blowout and the coaches want to get him game experience in mop-up time. Dart also had an encouraging preseason, completing 32-of-47 passes for 372 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in three preseason games. 

Furthermore, the Giants hope that Dart will prove to be their franchise quarterback, and there's no way to know that until he plays in games. Handing him the No. 2 role gives the Giants flexibility to get the rookie playing time while still trusting the 2025 season to Russell Wilson.

Still, it's surprising that the Giants have a plan to utilize Dart within the game, given that the team said all summer that Wilson would be their starter. Sometimes, backup quarterbacks who are more dynamic with their legs will have a package of plays to change the pace of the game, but while Dart is more athletic than the 36-year-old Wilson, he's no Lamar Jackson. 

While fans and analysts may be surprised by this news, the Commanders won't be. According to The Athletic's senior NFL insider Dianna Russini, Commanders' head coach Dan Quinn has been preparing his defense for both Wilson and Dart to play. So, the element of surprise the Giants may have been hoping for isn't there. 

The team must also be wary of the fact that if Dart performs well, a quarterback controversy may erupt before Wilson has a chance to settle in with the team. And if Dart doesn't do well, or worse, is injured, his future development could be in jeopardy. 

At the end of the day, the love Daboll has for the 2025 first-rounder is undeniable, and everyone knows it — for better or worse.