Giants Reportedly Feel Jaxson Dart Is Ready to Play If Russell Wilson Suffers Injury

The New York Giants are confident in rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart stepping up if starter Russell Wilson is forced to miss time, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"Brutally tough schedule to begin, so really you don't want to throw Jaxson Dart in that mix," Rapoport reported Thursday (2:50 mark). "But because he impressed so much in training camp and because he had the kind of preseason that he has, the Giants believe he will be ready if necessary."

Dart was listed at No. 2 on the Giants' unofficial depth chart for Week 1, rising above veteran signal-caller Jameis Winston. His strong first impression on New York's coaching staff undoubtedly contributed to the decision.

"Everything that they wanted to see from him in the preseason, they did see from him," NFL Network's Mike Garafolo also reported Thursday (2:20 mark).

The Giants initially made their support of Dart clear when they traded back into the first round of the 2025 NFL draft to select the former Ole Miss standout with the No. 25 overall pick.

He showed promise across three preseason appearances, completing 68.1 percent of his throws for 372 yards and three touchdowns without tossing an interception. Dart also rushed for 52 yards and a score on six attempts.

While Wilson is an experienced option with 10 Pro Bowl nods under his belt, the 36-year-old only signed a one-year deal with New York in March and doesn't project as a long-term solution under center.

It's understandable that the Giants are willing to lean on Wilson to open their 2025 campaign, as six of their first eight games of the year are against teams that made the playoffs last season.

Still, New York believes that Dart can make an impact with its first-string offense if called upon.