Giants Unveil Secret Playbook for Rookie Jaxson Dart—Could Week 1 Be a Game-Changer?

Jaxson Dart, the New York Giants’ fresh-off-the-draft board quarterback, has certainly made waves in the preseason — though not quite enough to unseat veteran Russell Wilson from the starting lineup. Still, Dart snagged the role of the top backup, which in itself is no small feat for a rookie. Now, here’s the kicker for Giants fans itching to see some rookie magic on the field right out of the gate: the coaching staff reportedly has carved out a special set of plays just for Dart in Week 1. But before you start imagining Dart running the show against Washington, hold your horses — whether he actually takes snaps depends heavily on how the game unfolds and Wilson’s performance. Dart’s preseason stats boast an impressive blend of precision and agility, shining both through the air and on the ground. It’s this dual-threat spark that could make him the perfect chess piece for the Giants to lean on, especially with designed quarterback runs that Wilson hasn’t featured much lately. Sure, it’s a bit unconventional to see a team rotate two QBs mid-game, but as the Steelers proved last season, it can be an effective strategy. Although Dart’s official debut under center remains on pause, even just catching a glimpse of his playing style next week might be just what Giants fans need until he earns his shot as the lead man. And who knows? If Dart makes the most of his limited opportunities, his timetable to start could get accelerated quicker than anyone expected. LEARN MORE

New York Giants first-round rookie Jaxson Dart had an impressive preseason. While that didn’t lead to Dart winning the starting job over Russell Wilson, it did result in Dart being named the primary backup.

But Giants fans pining to see the rookie immediately might be in luck. The team reportedly has a package of plays prepared for Dart in Week 1, according to multiple sources.

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Unfortunately for those fans, the reported news comes with a catch: Dart is not guaranteed to see the the field against the Washington Commanders. Whether he gets in the game will depend on “game flow, situational strategy” and how Wilson plays, per Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

Dart — who the team drafted with the No. 25 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft — acquitted himself well in three preseason games. He completed 32-of-47 passes for three touchdowns and no interceptions. Dart also impressed on the ground, where he gained 52 rushing yards and scored a rushing touchdown.

That dual ability could be the reason the Giants reportedly have a package of prepared plays for Dart. The rookie showed upside as a rusher in both college and the preseason. And while Wilson served as a dual-threat option early in his career, his rushing numbers have dropped in recent seasons. If the Giants want to call some designed quarterback runs, Dart could be the team’s best option.

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While it’s unusual to see a team utilize two quarterbacks in the same game, it does happen. The Pittsburgh Steelers did exactly that with both Justin Fields and Wilson last season. If the team was facing a third or fourth down from short distance, Fields would enter the game to give the team a scrambling option. Wilson would sit for a play or two before returning to the contest.

Though Dart may have won over some Giants fans with his excellent preseason, his first NFL start is on hold for now. If those fans can get a few glimpses of Dart in Week 1, that could be enough to hold them over until the rookie is called upon to officially lead the team.

If he performs well enough in his limited opportunities, Dart could find himself in the starting role even sooner than expected.