There is a ton of optimism surrounding the New York Giants this season. With the potential of some of the younger players on their roster and John Harbaugh taking over as head coach of the franchise, expectations from the fan base have certainly gone up.
The first week of preseason offered them a look at the new group, and there was a lot to take away from their performance. Unfortunately, it wasn’t all positive, with a scary moment landing quarterback Jaxson Dart back in the medical tent.
Hit on Jaxson Dart Left John Harbaugh Worried
When the Giants traded back into the first round to draft Dart last year, expectations were tempered about what he could become. But a strong rookie campaign has left the fan base excited about his potential.
From his dual-threat style to his mentality on the field, fans have been enamored by the youngster. It isn’t without merit, though, as Dart finished the 2025 season with 2,272 passing yards and 15 touchdowns against just five interceptions.
He was also a force on the ground, adding 487 yards and nine touchdowns to finish at number 23 on PFN’s QB Impact Metric. But under a new system and a Super Bowl-winning head coach, many believed the sky was the limit for the Ole Miss product.
He showcased some of that belief against the Minnesota Vikings in preseason. Completing three of four passes for 26 yards and a touchdown, he did a solid job managing the game. But right before his touchdown conversion, the entirety of the Giants fan base had to collectively hold its breath.
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On a blown block by running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., Dart took a massive hit to his midsection from Jay Ward. He was immediately taken out of the game and into the medical tent, where he was checked for a concussion.
Speaking after the game, Harbaugh confessed, “My feelings in that moment was, we need to block better.”
John Harbaugh was asked what his feelings were when Jaxson Dart took a big hit in the first quarter:
“My feelings in that moment was, we need to block better.” pic.twitter.com/d9l362ErkU
— SNY Giants (@SNYGiants) August 15, 2026
For the Giants, protecting their young quarterback is near the top of the priority list.
Last season, he was checked for a concussion on five separate occasions. Moreover, his nearly reckless approach had led many to believe that injuries could become a concern for him with the hits he was taking.
A similar story playing out in the first quarter of the preseason wasn’t what Giants fans would have had in mind for their potential franchise cornerstone. But it looks like Harbaugh is putting the onus on the blocking to make sure Dart is better protected moving forward.
