Jaxson Dart takes big step toward Giants return after concussion absence
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A welcome sight greeted the Giants when they began practice Wednesday in preparation for their game against the Lions Sunday at Ford Field.
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart was on the field in the team’s indoor practice facility after missing last week’s game against the Packers with a concussion.
Dart, who was knocked out of the Giants loss at Chicago on Nov. 9 after he fell hard on the Soldier Field turn at the end of a run, has been in concussion protocol since.
He remains in the protocol with steps still to clear before doctors pronounce him ready to play in Sunday’s game.
But on Wednesday, he was a full participant, though in a non-contact capacity.
During the practice period open to the media, Dart was on the field with his teammates doing running and stretching drills and looked fine.
Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka said as soon as doctors clear Dart to play, he’ll resume his starting role. That’s likely to be Sunday in Detroit.
“If he’s healthy and cleared to go (by medical staff), then I’d like Jackson Dart to play,’’ Kafka said before practice Wednesday.
“It’s only if he’s healthy and ready to go, and that’s based on what the doctor would say.’’
Kafka said he’s not concerned about Dart missing out on last week being a setback, saying, “He’s a pretty smart player. He was dialed into our game plan last week. He’s been preparing like this even early in the season when he wasn’t the starter.
“So, I wouldn’t expect anything different. We just had a great walk through with him in the offense.’’