New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart remains in concussion protocol to start the week, interim coach Mike Kafka said on Monday.
Kafka was asked whether Dart would be available to start practicing with the Giants (2-9) on Wednesday to prepare for next Sunday’s road game with the Detroit Lions (6-4).
“Jaxson’s still in the protocol so I’m just going to see that through, talk with the medical (staff) and when they give us the thumbs up then we’ll take the next action,” Kafka said.
Jameis Winston made his first start in Kafka’s coaching debut on Sunday, passing for 201 yards with an interception as well as a lost fumble on the final play of a 27-20 home loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Dart, 22, was injured in the Week 10 loss at Chicago. The first-round draft pick has completed 62.7% of his passes for 1,417 yards with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions in nine games (seven starts).
Dart has also rushed for 317 yards and seven touchdowns, but it’s the running game where the Giants want him to be less reckless in order to reduce the injury risks.
“He’s an aggressive player and that’s what we love about him,” Kafka said. “But obviously, you want to show him some examples that he can learn from. I think he’s going through that now and I think he’ll continue to grow from those things. But at the end of the day, he is a competitor and that’s why we love this guy. I think he’ll continue to learn and grow but you don’t want to put a player like that in a box. Obviously, you want to show him the examples that he can improve on and I think he’ll take that to the bank.”
