New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart underwent another concussion evaluation during the team’s preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings on August 15. The incident occurred when Vikings safety Jay Ward delivered a significant hit to Dart in the backfield on a sack play. After being checked in the medical tent, Dart was cleared to return and subsequently threw a touchdown pass.
Head coach John Harbaugh expressed frustration over the hit itself, asserting that the breakdown in pass protection should never have occurred. Harbaugh stated that Dart should have been protected on the play and that the team would work to prevent similar situations going forward. However, Harbaugh acknowledged that the league’s medical protocols exist to safeguard player health and declined to criticize the decision to evaluate Dart.
Dart’s frequent visits to the medical tent stem from his rookie season, when he underwent five concussion evaluations and sustained one official concussion that sidelined him for two games. Following his latest evaluation, Dart indicated puzzlement at how regularly he finds himself undergoing these checks. Harbaugh suggested that Dart’s injury history may influence the medical staff’s decision to conduct evaluations more cautiously in his case.
The Giants have reportedly emphasized protecting Dart from unnecessary hits during training camp, with teammates and coaches encouraging him to slide or exit bounds rather than absorbing contact. The team faces the Miami Dolphins in its next preseason matchup on August 22.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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