New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll confirmed on Thursday that rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart will participate in the team’s preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, details about the game plan were limited, but Dart’s inclusion is a noteworthy development for the Giants.
Dart, selected as the 25th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has shown impressive potential during his collegiate tenure at Ole Miss, where he boasted a record of 21-5 as a starter. Last season alone, he threw for an impressive 4,279 yards, alongside 29 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Many see Dart as the future face of the franchise, although Daboll has named veteran Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback for the upcoming season.
With Wilson likely taking a more prominent role, Dart will need to compete with seasoned players like Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito for the backup quarterback position. While Daboll has not confirmed whether Wilson will start against the Bills, the presence of Dart, Winston, and DeVito means the Giants will have sufficient options to cover the quarterback duties during the game.
In addition to the quarterback situation, Raanan reported that key players like wide receiver Malik Nabers and pass-rusher Brian Burns did not participate in practice on Thursday, which could suggest their absence on Saturday. Nabers has struggled with toe and shoulder injuries, and he has indicated that limited practice reps are part of his training plan.
Nevertheless, Dart still has a chance to connect with several reliable skill-position players, including rookie running back Cam Skattebo and potential starting back Tyrone Tracy Jr., along with wide receivers Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt, which could provide him with valuable experience.
On the other side, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced that star quarterback Josh Allen, the reigning NFL MVP, will not be playing in the game, which may shift the dynamic significantly.
Overall, this preseason matchup presents a valuable opportunity for Jaxson Dart to showcase his skills and prove his worth as a future leader of the Giants, even with the notable absence of key players.