Some injury timelines can be pretty quiet, while others seem to stir up chatter at every turn. Jaxson Dart definitely falls into the latter category. Just a week ago, the Giants were riding high, and Brian Daboll was still calling the shots. Now, both of those things have changed, and the team’s starting quarterback is still stuck in the same spot in the concussion protocol.

The first sign came from insider Dan Duggan. He said, “Players typically progress each day or have a setback in the protocol. It’s unusual that he just remained at the same limited/non-contact stage.” Duggan added, “Obviously, a big day today, as he’ll need to be a full participant to get cleared for Sunday. And obviously if there are any doubts, they should err on the side of caution.” The expectation remains that he plays, but the path has not been straightforward.

Adding to the scrutiny, Duggan provided further context on how the process works behind the scenes: “Giants medical staff manages him through the protocol, and then once they clear him, he has to go to an independent neurologist for full clearance… The team isn’t sending the player for the clearance if there’s any doubt.” This insight makes the stall even more notable, suggesting the Giants have not yet seen enough progress to take the next step.

Interim head coach Mike Kafka shared a cautious perspective on Wednesday. He confirmed Dart is still in the protocol, labeling the day a “non-contact” step. He emphasizes that every phase depends on how Dart responds.

Kafka said Dart is “trending towards being able to play Sunday if there’s no setbacks,” but made it clear that the decision belongs to medical personnel, not the coaching staff. “If he’s healthy and cleared to go, then I’d like Jaxson Dart to play,” Kafka said.

Meanwhile, Dart’s workload remains limited. The rookie exited Week 10 after a hit against the Chicago Bears, marking his fourth concussion evaluation since the preseason. Despite the concerns, the 22-year-old has remained active in meetings and game-planning, something Kafka praised as part of his continued growth. The team also reinforced the message that Dart must be more calculated when running the ball, given the physical toll he’s taken.

Detroit, for its part, is preparing to see Dart on the field. Lions coach Dan Campbell said they expect him to be available and highlighted his energy and playmaking ability. If he gets the green light, Dart will take back his starting role from Jameis Winston after sitting out for a week. But until he makes some progress in the protocol, every little update is being scrutinized closely.

In the midst of all the uncertainty surrounding Dart and the Giants’ rocky season, one injured rookie is already looking to the future with a bold prediction.

Giants rookie Cam Skattebo makes bold 2026 prediction after brutal season spiral and Jaxson Dart injury

Hope can be the loudest voice when the losses stack up, and Cam Skattebo isn’t holding back. As the Giants find themselves in a deep 2-9 position, the injured rookie running back is confidently calling his shot for 2026, and his optimism is almost defiant.

The main spark came during an interview with YouTuber N3on, where Skattebo predicted a 12-5 finish and a postseason berth next season. “This year’s probably not going so well,” he said, “but next year is gonna be pretty insane.”

Skattebo’s optimism arrives at a turbulent moment for the franchise. New York fired Brian Daboll midseason, shifted to interim coach Mike Kafka, and continues to deal with a roster battered by injuries. Yet Jaxson Dart briefly injected life into an offense that had looked lifeless in September. Their standout win came in Week 6, a 34-17 primetime upset over the defending champion Eagles.

Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t last. Skattebo suffered a season-ending lower-leg injury in Week 8. It included a dislocated ankle, broken fibula, and torn ligament after racking up 410 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 101 carries. He’s had surgery and is aiming to be back by April.

Whether the Giants can fix a collapsing defense, survive a reset, and chase double-digit wins for the first time since 2016 remains uncertain. But Skattebo is already planting the flag loudly for a new era in 2026.