New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is on track to return to the starting lineup against the Detroit Lions in Week 12, barring a setback.
Interim coach Mike Kafka announced Wednesday that Dart will be a non-contact participant in practice after missing last week's loss to Green Bay due to a concussion.
Kafka added that if Dart is cleared, he will start in Detroit. Jameis Winston would be the No. 2.
Dart suffered a concussion in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears after taking a hit following a run. He exited as Big Blue watched its lead evaporate with Russell Wilson under center. Winston took over the starting role last week.
Dart getting in mid-week practice reps is a positive sign that he'll be able to play against the Lions. However, he remains in concussion protocol and must pass through before being eligible to play.
The rookie has completed 62.7 percent of his passes with 10 pass touchdowns, three interceptions and a 93.5 passer rating. He's added 57 carries for 317 rush yards and seven rushing TDs.
Since taking over the starting role, Dart has injected life into New York's offense. He has five games with at least one passing TD and rushing TD in 2025 (tied for most in the NFL with Josh Allen). He has two-plus offensive TDs in each of his seven starts, tied for the second-longest streak by a rookie QB all-time; only Dak Prescott has a longer such streak by a rookie QB (nine games in 2016).
The injury risk, however, has been glaring given all the hits taken as a runner and in the pocket.
The question heading into Sunday's game in Detroit is whether, if he's cleared to play, Dart will adjust his play style, if Kafka will call fewer QB runs and how any adjustment might curtail the electric playmaking the rookie has brought to the 2-8 Giants.
