John Harbaugh Talks Huge Jaxson Dart Hit in Preseason, Says Giants 'Need to Block Better'

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh blamed the blocking for the big hit quarterback Jaxson Dart absorbed during the first quarter of the team's 13-10 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.

In the closing seconds of the first quarter, Giants running back Tyrone Tracy missed a block, allowing Vikings safety Jay Ward to crush Dart and sack him:

While speaking to reporters after the game, Harbaugh said the Giants "need to block better."

Harbaugh added that he had no reservations about putting Dart back in the game despite Dart telling him that he got the wind knocked out of him on the hit.

Dart came off the field after the hit and entered the blue medical tent. Per Dan Duggan of The Athletic, the Giants announced that Dart was evaluated for a concussion.

According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, Dart told reporters he was "puzzled" why he gets called into the medical tent for a concussion test whenever he gets hit.

Once he was cleared, Dart returned to the game a few plays later and threw a spectacular, 15-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields after rolling to his left:

Harbaugh told reporters he was "excited" to see Dart respond with a big play after his temporary removal from the game.

All told, Dart played the Giants' first two offensive series of the game and completed three of his four passing attempts for 26 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, while getting sacked twice.

Dart is preparing for his second NFL season after going 25th overall in the 2025 NFL draft and starting 12 games as a rookie.

The Giants went 4-8 in those 12 starts, and Dart completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions, while also rushing for 487 yards and nine scores.

Dart took his fair share of hits as a rookie due to his penchant for taking off and running, and Harbaugh made it clear with his comments on Saturday that he wants Dart's blockers to keep him as clean as possible.

After 18 years as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, Harbaugh is about to start his first season as head coach of the Giants, and he undoubtedly needs a healthy and productive Dart in order to have success.