As the New York Giants prepare for a Week 12 matchup against the Detroit Lions, on Sunday, November 23, the spotlight is once again on their quarterback situation. What had seemed settled earlier in the week took a turn before kickoff, leaving the team scrambling to adjust.
Jaxson Dart’s Concussion Protocol Update
On Friday, the Giants announced that rookie starter Jaxson Dart did not clear concussion protocol and has been ruled out for Week 12.
Dart exited the Week 10 game against the Chicago Bears after taking a hit to the head and subsequently missed last week’s contest, continuing to work through the league’s return‑to‑play process before being sidelined again.
Veteran Jameis Winston will make his second consecutive start in Dart’s absence. Winston completed 19 of 29 passes for 201 yards, throwing one interception, and added a rushing touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in Week 11. So, the Giants will be counting on his experience and leadership to steady the offense against the Lions, who enter the game with Super Bowl aspirations and one of the NFC’s most balanced rosters.
The setback comes in what has already been a brutal campaign. New York sits at 2–9, well out of the NFC Wild Card race and searching for answers on offense as the year winds down. Dart had provided sparks in his first seven NFL starts, throwing for 1,417 yards with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 62.7 percent of his passes.
Wow. Dart out. This a big surprise. The #Giants were convinced he was clearing. Among reasons he took so many reps in practice (non-contact) https://t.co/pVBFPEWOZ9
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) November 21, 2025
He also has 317 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground, giving the Giants a dual‑threat element that has been missing in his absence. Despite those flashes, the Giants’ overall production has lagged, with a current PFSN Offense Impact Score of 70.0, which ranks 26th in the league.
The Lions, meanwhile, have leaned on quarterback Jared Goff and a strong rushing attack to stay in the Super Bowl picture. Their defense has forced timely turnovers, and Winston’s ability to protect the football will be critical if the Giants hope to avoid their 10th loss of the year. For New York, the focus has shifted toward evaluating young talent and building for the future, with Dart’s development remaining a top priority.
The Giants expect Dart to return in Week 13, barring any setbacks. Team officials have emphasized caution with the rookie, prioritizing his long-term health while keeping him on track for a quick recovery. His return would give New York another opportunity to evaluate a young quarterback who remains central to the franchise’s plans, even as the team looks ahead to what promises to be a crucial offseason.
