The NFL has clarified that New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart’s evaluation in the blue medical tent during the team’s preseason opener was a “standard medical timeout.”
League protocol involves multiple independent neurologists and medical trainers reviewing replay for signs of impact or injury behavior that can trigger a check. Dart was forced into the tent late in the first quarter Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings after safety Jay Ward delivered a crushing hit to the torso.
The NFL says the evaluation of Jaxson Dart was a "standard medical timeout."
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There are multiple independent neurologists and medical trainers looking for impact and injury behavior on replay, which could lead to a player being checked.
Running back Tyrone Tracy
Jr. had missed his blocking assignment, leaving the second-year quarterback exposed.
Dart got up slowly, spent a brief period under evaluation, and returned a few snaps later. On his first play back, he scrambled and found rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields for a 15-yard touchdown. He finished 3-of-4 for 26 yards in limited action.
After the game, Dart expressed clear frustration.
"I’m still puzzled by it just feeling like every time I get hit, I find my way in there,” he said, while adding that he respects the league’s efforts to protect players.
Head coach John Harbaugh said the medical staff’s job is to err on the side of safety and that he could not argue with the decision, though he also stressed the need for better blocking.
The episode continued a pattern of frequent tent visits for Dart dating back to his rookie season. Former NFLPA president Domonique Foxworth later criticized the quarterback’s reaction on ESPN, calling the pushback “insane” and “stupid” given the force of the hit and the preseason setting.
Dart was cleared quickly and preferred not to dwell further on the tent.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: NFL: Giants QB Jaxson Dart's blue tent trip was 'standard medical timeout'
