Mark Smith-Imagn Images

NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Jaxson Dart Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Nov 8, 2025 8:22 PM ET

Jaxson Dart has been a revelation for the New York Giants this season. Since taking over the QB1 role from 10-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson, Dart has proven that he’s more than capable of being a franchise quarterback. The former Ole Miss Rebels star has started six out of the eight games he’s played this season, registering 109-of-175 completed passes (62.3%) for 1,175 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Despite Dart’s strong play, however, the Giants have lost three in a row. This includes their 34-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Nov. 2. In that game, Dart was involved in an incident that has now drawn a decision from the NFL.

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart looks on before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles.Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Dart logged 24-of-33 passes against the Niners. The rookie quarterback threw for 191 yards and two touchdowns. He also had eight carries for 56 yards and one rushing TD.

At one point in the third quarter, Dart took a big hit from Niners linebacker Tatum Bethune. The Giants were at first-and-10 from the Niners’ 25-yard line. Dart scrambled up the middle for a 6-yard gain before being stopped by Bethune, who made contact with the Giants QB’s head. Bethune was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play, which resulted in a 10-yard penalty.

Bethune’s tackle was reviewed by the NFL Officiating Department, and a decision has now been made on the play. On Saturday, the league announced its gameday accountability update from Week 9, and the Dart incident was not included in the list of fines. This means that Bethune has not been fined for his unnecessary roughness penalty against Dart.

For context, a total of 15 players were fined for unnecessary roughness from Week 9. The fines range from $6,062 (facemask violation on the Los Angeles Rams’ Davis Allen) to $100,000 (hip-drop tackle on Frankie Luvu of the Washington Commanders).

Dart and the 2-7 Giants will be back in action on Sunday for a Week 10 matchup against the 5-3 Chicago Bears. It’s going to be a road game for New York, with kickoff from Soldier Field scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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