Mark Smith-Imagn Images

NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Jaxson Dart Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Dec 6, 2025 4:53 PM ET

Jaxson Dart and the New York Giants are not playing this weekend, but a play involving the rookie quarterback resulted in a fine announced by the NFL on Saturday.

Dart's dual-threat ability has produced some incredible moments early in his NFL career. He has recorded 1,556 passing yards, 337 rushing yards and 18 combined touchdowns in just 10 games — which include both of the Giants' wins this season.

His recklessness also left him vulnerable to injuries, like the concussion he sustained in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears that forced him to miss two games. Unfazed, Dart continued to run hard in his return from a concussion in New York's 33-15 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 13.

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6).Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

In the first quarter of the "Monday Night Football" game, Dart scrambled up the sideline on 2nd and 13. As he crossed the boundary, Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss hit Dart with a tackle that sent the rookie quarterback flying out of bounds.

Giants tight end Theo Johnson saw the hit and immediately defended his quarterback. Johnson confronted Elliss, sparking a fight and putting players on both teams at risk of picking up a fine.

Jaxson Dart gets popped! Fight breaks out pic.twitter.com/7QnL3JbQs9
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) December 2, 2025

The officiating crew calmed the situation down and Johnson was flagged for a personal foul for unnecessary roughness for the retaliation toward Elliss. It resulted in a 15-yard penalty against New York.

On Saturday, the NFL announced that Johnson got fined $6,488 for the late hit on Elliss. It was Johnson's first fine of the season. The Patriots player involved in the Dart incident was not given a fine.

On-field, safety-related decisions are released by the league on its gameday accountability page each week. Per NFL guidelines, players are notified of violations and may appeal any ruling. The fines collected are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation and the NFL Foundation.

The Giants return in Week 15 with a game against the Washington Commanders.

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

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