Giants' Jaxson Dart Says He Must Adjust to NFL After He 'Very Rarely Slid' at Ole Miss

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart has cleared concussion protocol after missing two games and will return to the lineup Monday when his team visits the New England Patriots.

On Friday, Dart had his first press conference with reporters since suffering a concussion on Nov. 9 in a 24-20 road loss at the Chicago Bears. He admitted that he's going through an adjustment period getting used to NFL speed and also acknowledged that he didn't slide much at Ole Miss, where he played his final three years in college.

"I'm still getting used to this game. I'm getting used to this speed, this level," Dart said, per ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "In college, you can watch my tape, I very rarely slid. This is a different beast. For me, I have to obviously be more responsible when I'm in the open field. But I felt I was getting better at it each and every week."

Dart has been checked for concussions four times this year dating back to the preseason. He was cleared on the first three occasions.

Unfortunately, Dart suffered the concussion after his helmeted head hit the turf following a lost fumble during the Bears game following a run for a first down.

Per ESPN's Jordan Raanan, Dart has taken nearly 10 hits per game this season. That's a tough welcome to the league for the rookie, who has showcased his running abilities (57 carries, 317 rushing yards, seven scores).

Dart was able to stay in the lineup over his first seven games but then sat for the last two matchups, a 27-20 home loss to the Green Bay Packers and a 34-27 overtime loss at the Detroit Lions.

He'll be back for the Pats game, though, and Dart noted how important it is for him to be in the lineup.

"Moving forward, I have to be more available for this team," Dart said. "This is obviously on the forefront of my mind moving forward."

Kickoff on Monday will be at 8:15 p.m. ET in Gillette Stadium.