Before arriving in New York, quarterback Jaxson Dart held court in Oxford, Miss. As a member of the Rebels, he was able to speak without much scrutiny. However, landing in the largest media market in the NFL means scrutiny will follow. As the Giants’ starting quarterback, the organization probably believes that Dart will act as the face of the franchise.
After one solid year of Daniel Jones and a series of veteran retreads, expectations for the team remain measured. Yet, when it comes to one particular aspect of player health, an analyst believes that the signal-caller needs to display a different approach.
ESPN Analyst Chides NY Giants QB Jaxson Dart Over Concussion Test Attitude
Concussion testing, with the 2013 settlement of the massive class-action lawsuit, became a key issue within the league. From changing policy to implementation through standards, the league takes the process seriously. During their preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, Dart absorbed a brutal hit.
Vikings safety Jay Ward blitzed off the edge, untouched, drilling Dart, dropping him violently to the ground.
When asked after the game, Dart was “puzzled” about why he needed to undergo concussion protocol testing, but ESPN analyst Myron Medcalf chastised Dart for his quotes.
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator
“I think Jaxson Dart owes the organization; I think he owes the NFL an apology,” Medcalf said. “As the face of the New York Giants, he cannot have a flipping attitude about concussion protocol, because what does that do to other guys on the team? If Jaxson Dart is questioning the protocol, does that make other guys go, “Well, maybe I don’t want to let anyone know if I have certain symptoms or I’m dealing with things.'”
“We dealt with that in the NFL for so many years, which is how we got to this point,” Medcalf added. “The concussion protocol worked, which is why Jaxson Dart found himself in the blue medical tent. And I think that’s a good thing, considering his history. I don’t think there’s a narrative against him. I just think there’s an effort to make sure in moments like that, that a guy like that gets the proper care and attention that he needs.”
“As the face of the New York Giants, he cannot have a flippant attitude about concussion protocol.”@MedcalfByESPN gives his input on Jaxson Dart being “puzzled” by having to go to the medical tent after major hit 👀 pic.twitter.com/N6GQGHssdG
— First Take (@FirstTake) August 17, 2026
The Giants invested a first-round draft pick in Dart last year, envisioning him as their future star. Behind him, the depth chart may not offer much in the way of hope. Veteran Jameis Winston is listed as the backup who can run the offense, with a strong arm and enough mobility to move around the pocket.
START PREPARING: PFN’s Free Fantasy Draft Simulator
However, Winston’s brand of playmaking comes with less-than-optimal ball security. The passer boasts a career touchdown-to-interception ratio of 156:113, giving his receivers and defenders equal opportunity to catch the ball.
While new head coach John Harbaugh wants to build around the running game, he still needs a quarterback to remain vertical long enough to make throws.
They added tight end Isaiah Likely, who ranked 39th on PFN’s TE Impact Metric last season, to a receiving corps that includes Malik Nabers, who’s returning from injury.
Whether Dart can be the player that the team hopes he can be remains to be seen. The goal is to keep him as healthy as possible.
