Jaxson Dart to Play in Giants' Preseason Opener vs. Bills, HC Brian Daboll Says

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll told reporters Thursday that rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart will play in the team's preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.

Per ESPN's Jordan Raanan, Dart's status was "pretty much all" Daboll would reveal regarding his plan for Saturday's game.

Dart was the No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft following a strong collegiate career at Ole Miss that saw him go 21-5 as a starter over his final two seasons, and throw for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns and six interceptions last season.

All signs point toward Dart being the Giants' quarterback of the future, but Daboll named veteran Russell Wilson the team's starting quarterback for the 2025 campaign last month.

That likely means Dart will be left to compete with Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito for the team's primary backup role during the preseason.

Daboll did not indicate Thursday if Wilson will start Saturday's game, but with the trio of Dart, Winston and DeVito, he can easily cover a full game at the quarterback position even if Wilson sits.

Raanan reported that neither wide receiver Malik Nabers nor pass-rusher Brian Burns practiced Thursday, which could be a sign that Daboll plans to hold them out Saturday.

Nabers has dealt with toe and shoulder injuries in recent months, and he told reporters Wednesday that reduced practice reps are "part of the plan" with him during training camp.

While the Giants may be without their No. 1 wideout on Saturday, Dart could still have the chance to work with some talented skill-position players, such as rookie running back Cam Skattebo, potential starting running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. and wideouts Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt.

As for the Bills, head coach Sean McDermott announced Thursday that reigning NFL MVP and star quarterback Josh Allen will not play Saturday.

However, other starters will see "give or take" one quarter of action against the Giants.