The NFL and NFLPA are jointly reviewing the New York Giants’ adherence to concussion protocol after rookie QB Jaxson Dart’s evaluation during Thursday night’s game, sparked by head coach Brian Daboll’s controversial visit to the medical tent and player eagerness to return.
The NFL has officially launched a joint review with the NFL Players Association into how the concussion protocol was followed for New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart during the team’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This inquiry stems from an incident in the second half of Thursday night’s game where Dart, after taking a hit, entered the blue injury tent for evaluation, leading to notable sideline interactions that caught the attention of both the league and fans.
The Sideline Controversy: Daboll’s Intentions and Protocol Violations
The situation unfolded late in the third quarter when Jaxson Dart grabbed his head after being sacked by Eagles defensive lineman Patrick Johnson and falling into linebacker Azeez Ojulari. Dart, making his third professional start, was then taken into the blue injury tent for a concussion evaluation. It was here that Giants head coach Brian Daboll was seen poking his head into the tent.
Daboll later admitted to being impatient during the process, stating, “I would have burned a timeout if he could have come out there. I was asking how long was it going to take. You want your guy out there, not at risk of anything else.” He apologized directly to the team physician, Dr. Scott A. Rodeo, acknowledging he was “in the wrong.” The coach later reiterated on a video call that he was merely checking on his quarterback and had great respect for the process, according to USA TODAY Sports.
Giants owner John Mara, who serves on the NFL’s competition committee, also addressed the incident. Mara stated that while he believes Daboll was not trying to influence the process, “he understands the appearance of going to the tent is inappropriate.” Mara confirmed the Giants would cooperate fully with the league’s review, underscoring the organization’s commitment to player safety from the top down.
NFL’s Stance: Strict Rules for Player Evaluation
The league’s chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, has been unequivocal about the strict protocols governing concussion evaluations. During a pregame tour of medical facilities, Sills emphasized the limited access to the injury tent during an evaluation.
The authorized personnel allowed in the tent during a concussion evaluation are:
- The player being evaluated
- A team physician
- An independent specialist
- Potentially a team athletic trainer
Dr. Sills’ directive is clear: “Never more than those people. Never any coaches in here, never any other players in here, never anybody else in here.” These guidelines, foundational to the NFL’s official protocol, are in place to ensure objective and unbiased medical assessment, free from any competitive pressure.
A Player’s Perspective: Eagerness to Return
Adding another layer to the incident was the perspective of the players themselves. Jaxson Dart expressed his frustration with the duration of the evaluation, noting, “It felt so long. A few guys popped in. I was just trying to get back there on the field. I understand they have protocol and what not. I was just trying to get out there fast.” This sentiment highlights the inherent tension between a player’s desire to contribute and the necessary medical precautions.
Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo also poked his head into the tent, jokingly claiming he was “making sure that Jaxson wasn’t hurting anybody in the injury tent.” Skattebo added insight into Dart’s mindset, saying, “I knew going over there I needed to calm down a little bit because I knew he was going to be on fire. When I was in there, he was a little fired up, but we know we have to go through protocol and do all that stuff to make sure we can get back on the field.”
This incident marked at least the third time, including preseason, that Dart has undergone a concussion evaluation during a game, underscoring the frequent risks players face and the critical importance of these protocols.
The Bigger Picture: Player Safety vs. Competitive Drive
The Jaxson Dart incident underscores a persistent challenge in professional football: balancing the intense competitive drive of coaches and players with the paramount need for player safety. While every coach wants their best players on the field, especially in critical game situations like a potential fourth down, the NFL has progressively implemented stricter concussion protocols to protect athletes from serious, long-term harm.
The league’s commitment to player safety has significantly evolved over the years, spurred by growing scientific understanding of head injuries and public scrutiny. Historical instances, such as the controversies surrounding previous concussion evaluations, have directly led to the establishment of the independent neurological consultants (UNCs) and the stringent rules about who can access the medical tent. These measures are designed to remove team bias from critical medical decisions, ensuring that player well-being is the ultimate priority.
Implications for the Giants and the League
The joint review by the NFL and NFLPA will meticulously examine all aspects of the protocol’s application in Dart’s case. Depending on their findings, the Giants organization or individual personnel could face fines or other disciplinary actions. More broadly, such incidents serve as crucial reminders for all 32 NFL teams about the importance of adhering to these life-saving protocols without exception.
For Brian Daboll, while his apology shows accountability, the perception of his actions will undoubtedly be scrutinized. It highlights the immense pressure coaches face, yet also reinforces the league’s message that no game situation justifies compromising player health. For Jaxson Dart, who ultimately cleared protocol and re-entered the game, his repeated evaluations are a stark reminder of the physical toll of playing quarterback in the NFL and the ongoing necessity of robust safety measures.
Ultimately, this review is not just about one player or one team; it’s about reinforcing the integrity of the NFL’s commitment to player health across the entire league. It ensures that the protocols are not just written rules, but actively practiced safeguards against the inherent dangers of the sport.
