Jaxson Dart Is Honest About Concussion Tests After Giants' Preseason Loss

The New York Giants lost their first preseason game of the season, falling 13–10 to the Minnesota Vikings. Starting quarterback Jaxson Dart played in the first half but had to leave the field twice after being sacked. After the game, Dart spoke openly about the NFL's medical rules and why he keeps ending up in the blue medical tent on the sideline.

Dart did not play a lot, but he still made an impact during his time on the field. He completed 3 out of 4 passes for 26 yards and threw one touchdown — a 15-yard strike to wide receiver Malachi Fields. However, he was also sacked twice, which is what caused him to visit the blue medical tent for evaluation.

After the game, Dart talked to reporters about the NFL's concussion protocol. He said he respects the rules and understands that the league wants to keep players safe. But he also admitted he is confused about why he keeps getting sent to the tent so often. 'I'm still puzzled by it just feeling like every time that I get hit, I find my way in there,' Dart said.

The two sacks that hurt Dart came from Vikings players. Linebacker Dallas Turner got to him early in the first quarter, and safety Jay Ward hit him hard near the end of that same quarter. A video clip of Ward's big sack spread quickly online and got a lot of attention from football fans.

Two backup quarterbacks also played for the Giants in the game. Jameis Winston had a strong performance, completing 8 of 9 passes for 89 yards. Brandon Allen struggled a bit more, going 5 of 8 for 45 yards and throwing two interceptions.

The Giants are being careful with Dart because he is their most important player. The regular season is less than a month away, so the team does not want him to get seriously hurt in a preseason game. Dart is known for being a tough, aggressive player who sometimes takes big hits because he does not always slide to protect himself when he runs.

This is not the first time Dart has dealt with injury concerns. Last season, his first in the NFL, he played in 14 games and started 12 of them. In Week 10, he suffered a concussion during a loss to the Chicago Bears and missed the next two games. He also visited the blue tent several other times that season.

The Giants have another preseason game coming up on Saturday, August 22, against the Miami Dolphins. Their regular season then kicks off on Sunday, September 13, when they host the Dallas Cowboys at home. Fans and coaches alike will be watching closely to make sure Dart stays healthy before the games that really count.