⁠Concerns about Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart: The rookie is being treated for a suspected concussion after the game against the Eagles. His head coach subsequently had to apologize to the team doctor and is now facing an investigation himself. The franchise issues a statement.
The New York Giants are back! Head coach Brian Daboll’s team scored a surprisingly clear 34-17 victory over reigning Super Bowl champions the Philadelphia Eagles in Thursday night’s NFL game.

The team was able to rely on rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who contributed a passing and a rushing touchdown to the win.

There was a brief moment of shock at the end of the third quarter when Dart went down after a hard hit and was examined for concussion in the Blue Tent.

For Giants coach Daboll, this examination was apparently not quick enough. TV cameras captured the 50-year-old arguing heatedly with the team doctor. It seemed as if he wanted to see his quarterback back on the field as soon as possible.

NFL Concussion Protocol: Strict rules for concussions

Since the NFL has been trying for several years to detect serious concussions early and prevent affected players from returning to the field too soon with its Concussion Protocol, Daboll’s behavior in this case was clearly inappropriate.

“The NFL has initiated a review of the application of the concussion protocol in the case of Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart after yesterday’s game against the Eagles. This review is being conducted jointly with the NFLPA under the current collective bargaining agreement,” reported Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.

The NFL initiated a review of the application of the concussion protocol involving Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart during last night’s game against the Eagles. That review will be conducted jointly with the NFLPA under the parties’ collective bargaining agreement.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 10, 2025

According to ESPN, both the Giants and Daboll face disciplinary action as a result of the investigation. Meanwhile, the Giants responded with a statement from President John Mara, in which he emphasized that the coach did not want to influence what was happening in the blue tent where Dart was being checked. However, he was aware that his behavior had been “inappropriate.”

The statement continued: “We have protocols in place that the NFL uses to ensure player safety, and we must allow our medical staff to follow those protocols without interference. We understand that the situation is under review by the NFL and the NFLPA and will cooperate fully.”

Brian Daboll: “I have great respect for our doctors”

After the game, Daboll was asked about the scene and clarified the situation. He said he had already apologized. There is no bad blood between him and the doctors:

“If you’ve ever stood on the sidelines of the NFL, you know there are a lot of emotions involved. […] And I’m definitely an emotional person. I apologized directly to our team doctor. I just wanted him to go back out when he was feeling well. We were in the process of preparing for a possible fourth down. I would have taken a timeout if he had come back out. So I asked how long it would take.“

With a final ”I have great respect for our doctors. I apologize. I behaved incorrectly,” the matter seems to be settled for Daboll. Whether the matter is settled for the NFL remains to be seen in the near future, or whether Daboll will face a penalty or suspension. In the meantime, backup quarterback Russell Wilson took over for Dart for a few plays. However, he failed to complete his only pass attempt.

Brian Daboll talks about going into the medical tent when Jaxson Dart was being evaluated with a concussion:

“I apologized directly to our team physician. I just wanted his ass out there if he was okay… I’m like ‘is he gonna be good or not I’m gonna call a timeout on 4th down… pic.twitter.com/qP2V8w3etQ

— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) October 10, 2025