How long is Jaxson Dart out? Concussion timeline, return date, latest updates on Giants QB

Jaxson Dart has been a revelation for the New York Giants, who appear to have found their franchise quarterback.

However, Dart has played a bit recklessly this year, and it caught up with him on Nov. 9 against the Chicago Bears. He suffered a concussion in the second half of the Giants’ loss in Chicago, forcing him to miss the rest of the game as the Bears completed a comeback win.

Dart appeared to take the hit that caused the concussion on a fumble in the third quarter but didn’t immediately leave the game. Former Giants head coach Brian Daboll said he pulled Dart after the quarterback seemed groggy on his next few plays following the fumble.

Of course. Naturally. pic.twitter.com/62dcv08iDU

With Dart now in concussion protocol, New York may be without its starting quarterback for a few weeks. The Giants ruled him as inactive for their Week 11 matchup with the Packers. Jameis Winston, recently named the team's backup over Russell Wilson, started Sunday's game. Dart was ruled out once again in Week 12 as the Giants were set to face the Detroit Lions. 

So, just how long will Winston helm the Giants' attack in Dart's absence? Here's what we know about Dart's injury recovery, including a potential timetable for his return.

MORE WEEK 11 NFL:

• NFL power rankings for Week 11
• NFL Week 11 picks, predictions
• NFL Week 11 picks against the spread

How long is Jaxson Dart out?

With Dart still in concussion protocol, he'll miss his second straight game. He didn't play in the Week 11 loss to the Packers and will miss the Week 12 matchup against the Lions. 

Dart's more likely return date will be in Week 13 at the New England Patriots. The game will be played for "Monday Night Football," giving the rookie quarterback one more day to recover. 

Backup quarterback Jameis Winston started against the Packers, and is likely going to start against the Lions. It remains to be seen how long of a leash he may have and if New York could pivot to veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. 

MORE: Updated NFL power rankings for Week 11

What happened to Jaxson Dart?

The Giants QB suffered a concussion in the second half of the Week 10 loss to the Bears. He exited in the third quarter and missed the rest of the game.

Dart's concussion on Sunday was the fourth time that he was evaluated for a concussion this year in nine total games, plus the preseason. The rookie quarterback has been running a lot in his first season and has taken a large number of hits as he's been getting acclimated to the league.

Giants QB depth chart

Dart overtook the starting quarterback job from Russell Wilson in Week 4, but Wilson had still been New York's backup until Brian Daboll was fired. When Dart left the game against the Bears, Wilson relieved him and finished the game in Chicago.

Shortly after Daboll's firing, the Giants demoted Wilson in favor of Winston, putting the former No. 1 pick in line to start if Dart can't go. Winston has only played in one game this year, the loss to the Packers in Week 11. 

MORE: NFL playoff picture after Week 10 results

Giants schedule 2025

The Giants have to face a gauntlet of playoff teams before going on their bye in Week 14, as they have games against the Lions and Patriots, after losing to the Packers in Week 11 There is no soft landing spot for Dart to return, but if his concussion evaluation follows that of most players, he will likely return within that three-game window.