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Dart's injury shows why Giants rookie QB must change play style
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart. Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Jaxson Dart's injury shows why Giants rookie QB must change play style

Jaxson Dart's reckless play style makes him fun to watch. However, the New York Giants rookie quarterback must consider changing it, or he may not last in the NFL. 

Late in the third quarter of New York's road game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Dart ran for seven yards on a 2nd-and-6 at the Bears' 28-yard line but fumbled after taking a brutal hit. Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright recovered the ball. 

After the play, Dart was seen entering the blue medical tent and went to the locker room. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter then reported the rookie out of Ole Miss had been ruled out with a concussion. Backup QB Russell Wilson replaced Dart, and the Giants lost 24-20. 

Jaxson Dart's injury highlights one big concern about QB

Since the Giants took Dart with pick No. 25 in the 2025 NFL Draft, scouts have wondered if his play style is maintainable.

"Dart's rushing style has garnered conversation," wrote The Draft Network's Justin Melo in a story published Nov. 3. "The former Ole Miss standout continuously lowers his shoulder and pads as a runner, initiating contact with defenders. Giants head coach Brian Daboll hasn't broken this habit. Dart's play style doesn't feel sustainable, and he may want to rethink this approach."

When Dart lowers his head while running, it causes him to take more hits. ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported Sunday's game was the fourth time the QB had been evaluated for a concussion (including the preseason). 

Now, that doesn't mean Dart — who had five rushing touchdowns entering Sunday — shouldn't run anymore. His mobility is one of his strengths, allowing him to extend plays. Still, he should slide more at the end of runs. Other elite QBs, including Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, have learned to do this, which has helped preserve their careers. 

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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