Jameis Winston did not expect to be getting the call to start at quarterback for the New York Giants this Sunday against the Detroit Lions, which he will now that Jaxson Dart has been ruled out with a concussion.
Like most everyone else, Winston figured that Dart would clear the league’s concussion protocol after the rookie took the majority of first-team reps in practice throughout the week.
“I just found out,” the 11-year veteran told reporters in the Giants’ locker room on Friday afternoon. “I just knew I had to be ready. Whatever is required for me to be ready, I’m ready for it.”
Dart will now miss a second straight game after leaving a Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears when he suffered his concussion.
“I prepare every single week,” Winston said. “You’re saying the life of being a backup, this is the life of being an NFL quarterback. Staying ready so you don’t have to get ready.”
Winston played his first snaps as a Giant last week, going 10 of 29 for 201 yards with an interception and final-play fumble in a 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
“I believe I’m ready regardless,” Winston said. “Whatever this team needs me to do, I’m ready to do it. Regardless of he’s like, Jameis, you’re going to be number two, Jameis, you’re going to be number three, I’m ready. I’m preparing for whatever.”
Winston thought Dart “looked good” during practice this week.
“He’s a young superstar, so I know he’s going to be ready to go. I’m ready to go. We’re all ready,” Winston said.
Regardless of who is or is not playing, Winston said the Giants just want to win a game.
“The fact that I’m possibly getting (wide receiver) Darius Slay (Slayton) back is something that I’m excited about. Just to have another target available, because I think of what (wide receiver) Isaiah (Hodgins) did last week, being here for 48 hours and coming in to get some catches,” Winston said. “But these guys are excited, man. What we’re looking for is we’re searching for our first road win and we’re searching for our first win in a very long time. So, our intention is focused on that, not on who’s playing and who’s getting reps. It’s about, man, how can we beat the Detroit Lions?”
