Jordan Raanan
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants are anticipated to begin quarterback Jameis Winston in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers on Sunday, sources instructed ESPN on Wednesday.
Starter Jaxson Dart is within the concussion protocol because the Giants return to apply Wednesday afternoon and appears unlikely to play, a supply mentioned.
Winston jumps fellow veteran Russell Wilson on the depth chart as the primary main transfer below interim coach Mike Kafka, who took over when Brian Daboll was fired Monday. Kafka has labored intently with the quarterbacks this season because the assistant head coach/offensive coordinator.
Winston, 31, shall be enjoying in his first recreation since Week 15 of final season for the Cleveland Browns. He signed a two-year, $8 million cope with the Giants within the offseason however had spent the 2025 season because the third-stringer behind Week 1 starter Wilson and Dart, who took over in Week 4.
The Giants intend for Winston to be their backup behind Dart subsequent season. Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract that expires on the finish of the season.
Dart was injured within the second half of Sunday's 24-20 loss to the Chicago Bears, marking the fourth time this season (together with preseason) that he was examined for a concussion.
He took a tough hit on a fumble within the third quarter, getting hit from the aspect by a defensive lineman monitoring again to make the play. Dart's head hit the bottom, and he received up slowly, finally strolling to the sideline after remaining on the sector for a number of seconds on his knees.
Dart returned to the sport the next drive for 2 performs after which went to the blue medical tent in between quarters. He walked slowly into the locker room afterward with a coach earlier than being dominated out.
Wilson, 35, started the season because the Giants' starter earlier than being changed by Dart after struggling many of the first three weeks. He turned the No. 2 quarterback behind Dart and appeared in three video games — twice when Dart was being examined for a concussion and on Sunday within the fourth quarter.
In these three video games off the bench, Wilson accomplished 4 of 9 passes for 53 yards with zero touchdowns and three sacks. He led the Giants (2-8) to a discipline aim on his first drive Sunday however failed to steer them down the sector when trailing within the last two minutes in Chicago.
Wilson was named the starter with none competitors when he signed with the staff in March. Winston was already on the roster. Dart was added to the combo the next month when the Giants traded into the underside half of the primary spherical for the Ole Miss star.
Nonetheless, Wilson took virtually all of the first-team reps this spring and summer time. Dart turned the second-string quarterback early in coaching camp, and Winston labored primarily with the third staff.
Winston has been a mentor for Dart and others all through the season. He stays after apply day-after-day to work with Dart, the younger receivers and offensive linemen. He's additionally continuously within the ears of others after tough moments, together with Wilson within the locker room Sunday.
Earlier this month, Winston instructed ESPN that he needed to stay with the Giants because the commerce deadline approached though he was the third-string quarterback. He merely needed to assist the staff win even when he wishes to be a beginning quarterback.
“When a staff offers me the chance and believes in me, they offer me a job, I wish to play for that staff and do my greatest for that staff,” Winston mentioned. “I do not care what the report is, I do not care what the circumstances, scenario or information is, I all the time say what I need for myself, I need for everybody. I am a solutions-oriented man, so I wish to be part of the answer. I do not simply wish to run away when issues get dangerous.”
Dart, 22, has been extraordinarily complimentary of Wilson and Winston. The Giants have preferred the thought of getting two veterans across the rookie quarterback, who has 17 complete touchdowns in seven video games because the beginning quarterback.
Winston is 36-51 as a beginning quarterback in his profession with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints and Browns. His first begin for the Giants shall be Sunday at MetLife Stadium in opposition to a Packers protection that's ranked fifth within the NFL, permitting 287.2 yards per recreation.
ESPN's Adam Schefter contributed to this report.
