Jaxson Dart, exciting new hybrid running back-quarterback for the New York Giants. He’s playing through a recently re-injured hamstring to play on game day. After a limited walk-through Tuesday, Dart is expected to be a full participant during practice leading up to the game.
Dart is preparing to make his third NFL start and his second at home. It’s safe to say that he’s thrilled for his first match! I’m thrilled, he announced on Tuesday during a press briefing. The former first-round draft pick has been especially versatile this season, proving to be a factor as both runner and passer. In his two starts, he’s only rushed for 109 yards on 17 carries. On top of that, he’s added 312 yards on the ground, rushing for three scores and tossing two picks.
Coach Brian Daboll was confident about Dart’s readiness when talking with reporters, noting, “Yeah, he’ll be all right.” That doesn’t mean that the coaching staff lacks faith in their young quarterback. Their moxie was evident as the team breezed through a short week’s worth of practice coming off Sunday’s defeat against the New Orleans Saints. The fact that Dart played every single one of those 70 snaps in that game has made his level of fitness leading up to Thursday’s contest a big concern.
Adding to the Giants’ problems, fellow receiver Darius Slayton will probably be out as well. That could potentially leave Dart and the talented ensemble thin on experience in their offensive arsenal. The loss of some major players might only increase the heat on Dart. Moreover, Coach Allen is preparing to see another high-performing quarterback who, like Graham Mertz, utilizes their legs as a weapon.
Dart took a moment to reflect on his admiration for a Super Bowl-winning competitor he may face on the field.… That was huge, I think, as an early college player just to be able to look up to guys like that,” Dart said. “I’m truly looking forward to being on the field with him! To be able to compete against him, it’s such an incredible opportunity. He is truly a gladiator, one of the most intense competitors I’ve ever seen. With his NFL-caliber arm and speedy legs, he’s never failed to put his team in the best position to win ballgames.
As Dart gears up for this critical matchup, his focus remains on maximizing his performance despite the limitations imposed by his recent injury. He serves as their primary running back and the team’s starting quarterback, further emphasizing how necessary he is to the unit’s offensive game plan.
Leave a Reply