Jaxson Dart goes to medical tent after brutal hit — returns to throw beautiful Giants touchdown
Jaxson Dart had Giants fans — and John Harbaugh — holding their breath and exhaling with exultation.
Playing in the preseason opener Saturday against the Vikings despite the risk of injury, Dart finished the first quarter lying on the ground after taking a hit from a human speeding locomotive and went into the medical tent for a concussion check.
Dart returned after missing two plays and immediately made something out of nothing, rolling left out of a broken pocket and throwing a touchdown pass to Malachi Fields to finish up what was a 14-play appetizer for the season at MetLife Stadium.
The two main elements of Dart’s rookie season were back on display: The off-script playmaking and the injury concerns, though Harbaugh did not barge into the medical tent like his rules-breaking predecessor Brian Daboll.
Dart finished 3-of-4 passing for 26 yards with two third-down conversions to Isaiah Likely, who has been his favorite target all summer.
Harbaugh started Dart despite left tackle Andrew Thomas sitting, entrusting second-year pro Marcus Mbow with Dart’s blindside.
“I think we need to get ready for the regular season,” Harbaugh said on the NBC pregame show. “That’s what we’re aiming for. In our situation right now, playing a little bit in the preseason and getting a feel for the game, making adjustments in real time in a game at game speed so we can be the most ready that we can possibly be for that first game against the Cowboys, that really is the No. 1 priority.”
The first issue on the first drive was third-string center Bryan Hudson’s snap to the left hip that threw off the timing of a receiver screen to the opposite side of the field.
Dart caught the ball but then spun through the air before firing wildly in complete.
Hudson was starting because John Michael Schmitz (concussion) and backup Lucas Patrick (knee) are out.
On third-and-10, Dart pump-faked, tried to scramble, lost his footing on a cutback and was sacked by Dallas Turner, who beat Mbow.
The Giants regained possession, and Dart returned against the Vikings’ backups.
Jameis Winston filled in for two snaps while Dart was getting evaluated and converted a third-and-18 on a screen pass that went for 40 yards by Devin Singletary. Then Dart talked his way back into the game and walked the walk.
- Admin
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