Jaxson Dart has admitted he is still ‘puzzled’ by how often he ends up in the NFL’s blue medical tent after taking another heavy hit during the New York Giants’ pre-season loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Giants quarterback was sent for a medical check after Vikings safety Jay Ward came through untouched and delivered a big blow to Dart in the first quarter.
Dart was able to return after missing only a few snaps, throwing a touchdown pass on his first play back. The Giants eventually lost 13-10, but Dart’s latest trip to the tent quickly became one of the biggest talking points.
Jaxson Dart questions another trip to the NFL’s blue medical tent
Speaking after the game, Dart made it clear he respects the league’s efforts to protect players, but admitted he does not fully understand why he keeps being sent for checks.
‘As far as the blue tent, I really respect the rules and the thought behind the NFL has of keeping players healthy and reviewing things, but at the same time, I’m still puzzled by it just feeling like every time that I get hit, I find my way in there,’ Dart said.
He added that he was still trying to ‘wrap my head around’ the situation.
The latest incident comes after Dart made five trips to the blue tent across a 10-game span during his rookie season. That history made Saturday’s decision particularly noticeable.
Dart was hit in the torso by Ward and appeared to have the wind knocked out of him. He was then evaluated before returning to the field.
Giants head coach John Harbaugh admitted he was surprised by the decision, although he backed the medical staff’s approach.
‘Honestly, I was,’ Harbaugh said. ‘But I would say that their job is to err on the side of player safety, so I can’t argue with that either.’
There is also plenty of history behind the Giants’ caution with Dart.
Last season, the team was investigated after then-head coach Brian Daboll and running back Cam Skattebo were involved in an incident surrounding Dart’s medical tent visit. The Giants were fined $200,000, while Daboll received a $100,000 fine and Skattebo was fined $15,000.
The NFL introduced the sideline medical tents in 2017 as part of its efforts to improve player safety.
For Dart, though, the latest episode has left him asking the same question again. He returned to the game quickly, but his comments show that the blue tent remains a source of frustration for the Giants quarterback.
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