The New York Giants received a scare in the fourth quarter of their Week 15 game against the Washington Commanders when quarterback Jaxson Dart exited briefly after a hard hit. Dart returned shortly after, but the incident raised concerns given his earlier concussion this season. Interim coach Mike Kafka affirmed the team will not significantly alter its offensive approach.
In the fourth quarter of the New York Giants' Week 15 matchup against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart attempted to run for a touchdown on a first-and-goal play. He was met by Washington defensive linemen Javon Kinlaw and Eddie Goldman, who combined for 639 pounds, delivering a significant hit that forced Dart to leave the field and enter the medical tent.
Fortunately, Dart returned for the subsequent fourth-down play, avoiding a prolonged absence. This scare echoes an earlier incident in November when Dart missed two games due to a concussion sustained from big hits throughout the season. Despite these risks, interim coach Mike Kafka emphasized that the Giants will not overhaul their game plan.
"We're not gonna change much in terms of how we play the game," Kafka said. "I think just having the thought process for how we scheme it up. We had a couple opportunities where he's protected and he's got somebody in front of him. On that one particular play where he got out, that was a pass. I think there's not much you can do there. Of course we have his health, and everyone's health, in mind when we call plays."
Kafka highlighted Dart's mobility as one of his key strengths, noting the quarterback's performance with six rushes for 63 yards against the Commanders. "His mobility is one of his great strengths, and there's no denying that," Kafka added. "He knows. He's a smart football player. He knows when he needs to protect himself and when he needs to go make a play. I trust him to do that. That's probably the most important thing. The guys on the field trust him to do that."
The Giants, sitting at 2-12 and eliminated from playoff contention, have three games left in the 2025 season. They currently hold the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Protecting Dart's health remains crucial, though the team intends to continue leveraging his running ability.