The New York Giants faced the Miami Dolphins in their preseason matchup on Saturday, with the team expected to give some of its starters playing time.
However, starting quarterback Jaxson Dart was not part of the Giants’ lineup for the game.
Why isn't Jaxson Dart playing?
Shortly before kickoff, NFL insider Connor Hughes provided an update indicating that while several starters were expected to play, Dart was unlikely to be among them.
“The #Giants plan to play some of their starters against the #Dolphins, per sources, but not all. Jaxson Dart not expected to be among them,” Hughes had tweeted.
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Dart’s absence could simply be a precautionary decision by the coaching staff, with the Giants opting to limit his preseason workload. Jameis Winston instead got the start at quarterback against Miami.
Dart’s brief medical tent visit
Dart had already seen action during New York’s 2026 preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings on August 15.
{{/usCountry}}Dart had already seen action during New York’s 2026 preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings on August 15.
{{/usCountry}}The 23-year-old quarterback took a heavy hit during that contest and briefly visited the medical tent for a concussion evaluation before returning to the field and throwing a touchdown.
He subsequently missed the Giants’ next preseason game against the Detroit Lions while going through the concussion protocol.
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Despite not being expected to play, Dart was seen going through his warmups at Hard Rock Stadium before kickoff.
The Giants quarterback was also captured signing autographs for fans ahead of the preseason matchup.
Dart’s concussion history
During his rookie season, Dart underwent concussion evaluations on five occasions.
He was sent to the medical tent again after absorbing a hard hit in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings, with the latest evaluation reportedly leaving him "puzzled."
Dart was diagnosed with one concussion last season, forcing him to miss two games. Given that history, the Giants could be taking a more cautious approach with the young quarterback and limiting his preseason exposure as a precaution.