Giants' Jaxson Dart Edges Closer to Return Against Lions, Says Interim Coach Mike Kafka

Image Source: Internet

New York Giants' rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is making progress through concussion protocol and is on track to play against the Detroit Lions this Sunday, according to interim coach Mike Kafka. Dart has been sidelined since November 9 after suffering a concussion in a loss to the Chicago Bears. Kafka confirmed that Dart will participate in a non-contact practice on Wednesday, but declined to reveal whether he or veteran quarterback Jameis Winston would lead the first-team offense. Winston started in the Giants' 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers last weekend. The plan is for Winston to serve as the backup quarterback if Dart is cleared to start, which is in line with the team's approach rather than taking a more cautious approach and holding Dart out until December 1. Dart, 22, has been preparing to return to the field and has been studying the team's game plans. 'He's a smart player and he was dialed in to our game plans last week,' Kafka said. 'He's been preparing like this, even early in the season when he wasn't the starter, so I wouldn't expect anything different.' The Giants' hope is for Dart to reduce the number of hits he takes on the field, which led to his concussion against the Bears. Kafka is aware of the fine line between preserving Dart's aggressiveness and protecting his long-term health. Dart has shown impressive skills in his first seven professional starts, throwing for 10 touchdowns and running for seven more. Running back Tyrone Tracy believes Dart's legs will be an asset to the team's offense when he returns. 'His legs are an asset to our offense,' Tracy said. 'With him coming back, I think that his legs will help us in certain areas of the field and he'll help us get out of certain situations.'