Giants' Jaxson Dart clears concussion protocol after taking a hit in preseason game vs. Patriots

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Jaxson Dart took a big hit at the end of a run that resulted in a fumble, went down to the ground and wanted to stay in the New York Giants' preseason finale. Instead, he was escorted to the sideline to get evaluated for a concussion.

“I’ve never been taken out of the game for getting the air knocked out of me, so that was the first,” Dart said.

The rookie quarterback cleared concussion protocol, but that was the end of his time on the field Thursday night and perhaps his final game action for quite some time. Rather than wishing he slid to avoid contact, Dart said he regretted not holding onto the ball.

“I just shouldn’t have fumbled,” Dart said before lamenting the extra medical attention he didn't feel was necessary. “I told them: ‘You would feel uncomfortable if you got the air knocked out of you, too. I’m fine. I’m just trying to get my breath.’ That’s all that it was. Obviously, a little different than college, I guess.”

The hit from linebacker Jack Gibbens finished Dart's run at 23 yards late in the first quarter. Dart grabbed at his head after the play but quickly wanted to brush off the mistake and return — so much he was trying to get the evaluation done and over with quickly.

“I didn’t understand why i got took off the field, so I wanted to get back out there and finish the drive,” Dart said. “Everybody was just kind of walking over (to the medical tent). I’m like, ‘Lets go, I want to get back out there.’”

Dart was replaced by veteran Jameis Winston, who threw a touchdown pass on the next play. Dart exited the tent and went to the bench but did not return for the next offensive possession in the second quarter.

Coach Brian Daboll said it was always the plan for Dart to just play the first quarter before going to Winston. Dart completed 6 of 12 passes for 81 yards, including a 50-yard gain to Gunner Olszewski and a TD toss to Greg Dulcich.

The first-round pick out of Mississippi finished the preseason 32 of 47 passing for 372 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, also running six times for 52 yards and a TD.

“He’s done a good job,” Daboll said. “Credit the player, first and foremost. Being a rookie quarterback is not easy. Being a quarterback is not easy. He knows he’s got a lot of things to work on, but he’s made progress every day and I’m glad we drafted him. I’m glad he’s our guy.”

No matter that progress, Russell Wilson is the starter and expected to be under center when the season begins Sept. 7 at Washington. Dart is now ready to serve as Wilson's backup.

“Obviously Russ is the starter, and he’s going to do amazing,” Dart said. “He’s had such a great camp and has played at an elite level. My job is to just be the best teammate and be ready whenever it it is, but I’m excited for Russ and what he’s going to do this year.”

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) is tackled by New England Patriots linebacker Jack Gibbens (51) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) is tackled by New England Patriots linebacker Jack Gibbens (51) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) carries the all against the New England Patriots during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) passes the ball against the New England Patriots during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) is walked off the field after being tackled by the New England Patriots during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (AP) — New Zealand’s Alice Robinson was already leading the Olympic season’s giant slalom standings. Now she’s a threat in super-G, too.

Robinson won a World Cup super-G on Sunday for her first career victory in the discipline.

Robinson finished 0.08 seconds ahead of Romane Miradoli of France and 0.19 ahead of Sofia Goggia of Italy.

The 41-year-old American standout Lindsey Vonn finished fourth, 0.27 behind. In a downhill on Friday, Vonn became the oldest winner in the circuit's history. Vonn then finished second in another downhill on Saturday.

Mikaela Shiffrin, the holder of a record 104 World Cup victories, missed the final gate but did not fall.

Shiffrin hadn’t entered a speed race since crashing in a downhill in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, nearly two years ago. She’s also still recovering her form after another crash in a giant slalom in Killington, Vermont, last season left her with a deep puncture wound on the right side of her abdomen.

Emma Aicher, the German skier who won Saturday’s downhill, lost control coming over a jump early in her run and fell. But she got right back up and appeared uninjured.

U.S. Ski Team coach Alex Hoedlmoser set a tricky course that caught out several other racers, too — despite clear and sunny skies providing perfect conditions.

Robinson has won two of the four giant slaloms this season but had never finished better than fourth in a super-G.

Now she’s a two-discipline threat for the Milan Cortina Olympics. Women’s Alpine skiing at the Feb. 6-22 Winter Games will be held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

All six of Robinson's previous World Cup victories came in giant slalom.

Robinson moved up from third to second in the overall standings and is now within 64 points of Shiffrin.

The circuit now shifts to Val d’Isere, France, for more speed racing next weekend.

AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

United States' Mikaela Shiffrin reacts in the finish area of an alpine ski, women's World Cup super-G event, in St. Moritz, Switzerland, Sunday Dec. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Luciano Bisi)

Italy's Sofia Goggia speeds down the course during an alpine ski, women's World Cup super-G event, in St. Moritz, Switzerland, Sunday Dec. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Gabriele Facciotti)

New Zealand's Alice Robinson reacts after completing an alpine ski, women's World Cup super-G event, in St. Moritz, Switzerland, Sunday Dec. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Luciano Bisi)

United States' Lindsey Vonn reacts after completing an alpine ski, women's World Cup super-G event, in St. Moritz, Switzerland, Sunday Dec. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Luciano Bisi)

United States' Lindsey Vonn speeds down the course during an alpine ski, women's World Cup super-G event, in St. Moritz, Switzerland, Sunday Dec. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Gabriele Facciotti)

New Zealand's Alice Robinson speeds down the course during an alpine ski, women's World Cup super-G event, in St. Moritz, Switzerland, Sunday Dec. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Gabriele Facciotti)