Jaxson Dart made it through the New York Giants’ preseason opener without a diagnosed concussion, but his trip to the blue medical tent was enough to restart a conversation that followed him throughout his rookie season.
Former Penn State star LaVar Arrington believes repeated evaluations can eventually affect more than Dart’s availability. During Monday’s “2 Pros and a Cup of Joe,” Arrington warned that an injury-prone reputation can change how teams view a quarterback’s future.
LaVar Arrington Warns Giants’ Jaxson Dart About Injury Label
Dart took a hard hit from Minnesota Vikings safety Jay Ward during Saturday’s 13-10 preseason loss. He was evaluated for a concussion, cleared, and returned before throwing a 15-yard touchdown to rookie Malachi Fields.
Dart later said he respected the NFL’s safety procedures but was “still puzzled” by how often he ends up in the medical tent.
Brady Quinn argued during the radio segment that Dart’s history means future hits will receive additional scrutiny. He pointed out that the quarterback needs to recognize pressure better, avoid unnecessary collisions, and get down when possible.
Arrington agreed and pushed the issue beyond the evaluation itself. The Penn State legend said every injury can chip away at a quarterback’s opportunity to establish himself as the franchise player, bluntly adding, “You can’t get hurt.”
Arrington said availability becomes part of how organizations evaluate players. Once someone is labeled injury-prone, he believes escaping that reputation can become extremely difficult.
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The former linebacker explained that teams will naturally prepare replacements when a player develops an injury history. For Dart, he believes that calculation has already changed.
“They’re looking at you even more differently,” Arrington remarked, urging Dart to get smarter on the field.
Arrington was a two-time first-team All-American at Penn State, won the Butkus and Bednarik awards in 1999 and entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
Jaxson Dart’s Concussion History Keeps Scrutiny High
Saturday was not Dart’s first concussion evaluation. He was checked multiple times during his rookie season and missed two games after suffering a concussion against the Chicago Bears in November.
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The Giants’ postgame transcript said Dart had the wind knocked out of him against Minnesota. Head coach John Harbaugh said he was surprised Dart was sent for evaluation but acknowledged medical personnel are supposed to err on the side of player safety.
Dart finished his rookie season with 2,272 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. He added 487 rushing yards and nine scores, with his aggressive dual-threat style also exposing him to additional contact.
PFN’s QB Impact metric gave Dart a 73.4 score for 2025, ranking 23rd among qualifying quarterbacks.
New York opens the regular season Sept. 13 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Dart remains healthy enough to prepare for it, but Arrington’s concern reaches beyond one preseason collision.
For a young quarterback trying to establish himself as a franchise cornerstone, every trip to the blue tent now brings another question with it.
