NFL midseason superlatives: The biggest busts so far
USA TODAY Sports’ Joe Rivera and Chris Bumbaca dish out which players, coaches, and teams have been the biggest letdowns so far.
The New York Giants can’t have nice things in 2025, which might be evidenced by the latest injury to one of its star players.
A season that didn’t begin with much hope quickly evolved into one with plenty, but that is now being tested. That hope came about with the emergence of the rookies, Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo. It made for a nice group on offense when combined with the superstar that is Malik Nabers.
Of course, injuries claimed Skattebo and Nabers. Now they came for Dart on a windy, snowing day in Chicago.
Up by seven in the fourth quarter, Dart was a surprise entrant into the blue medical tent. Then he was seen walking off the field to the locker room.
Here’s the latest on Dart.
Dart is being evaluated for a concussion.
The quarterback has certainly taken his fair share of hits, especially as a runner. At one point earlier in the contest, Dart was sacked by multiple Chicago Bears, knocking his helmet off.
While the rookie remained in the game, it is an example of just how much he has been knocked around on Sunday.
Russell Wilson came in to replace Dart.
What is concussion protocol in the NFL?
The NFL’s concussion protocol is designed to ensure a player’s safety after suffering a head injury. It’s a five-step process that a player has to clear before they can return to play. Those steps are, as defined by the NFL:
- Symptom limited activity
- Aerobic exercise
- Football specific exercise
- Club-based non-contact training drills
- Full football activity/clearance
Before a player enters the protocol, they are evaluated on the sideline. The tests are conducted by the team’s physician and unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant. The evaluation includes observing any “no-go” symptoms, which are things like loss of consciousness, confusion, amnesia and more, in addition to history of concussions, other signs/symptoms and video review.
At that point, a neurological exam is conducted and the player is escorted to the locker room if the sideline evaluation leaves any doubt.
Giants QB depth chart
- Jaxson Dart
- Russell Wilson
- Jameis Winston (emergency third QB)
Dart took over as the starter after Wilson was ineffective earlier in the season. The rookie transformed the offense and has flashed in his young career, showing plenty of promise for the future.
Wilson is in the twilight of his career, but continues to seek opportunities to play. Winston hasn’t played in 2025 and was made the third-string quarterback following training camp. If Wilson also gets hurt, Winston would be allowed to check into the game.
This story will be updated.
