The 2026 preseason opener on Saturday, August 15, almost left the New York Giants fans’ hearts skipping a beat. Minnesota Vikings safety Jay Ward blitzed past the Giant and sacked Jaxson Dart, sending him to the ground. He was sent to the medical tent, a place that’s very familiar to him. 

“As far as the blue tent, I really respect the rules and the thought behind the NFL has of keeping players healthy and reviewing things,” Dart said during the post-game presser. “But at the same time, I’m still puzzled by it just feeling like every time that I get hit, I just find my way in there. Which, at times, I still try to wrap my head around.”

After Ward hit Dart, he lay on the field momentarily, prompting a check for concussions in the blue tent. He thought he could continue, and was checked by trainers in between quarters. But the medical spotter ordered a concussion check, per ESPN. The call surprised Dart and head coach John Harbaugh as well.

“Honestly, I was [surprised],” Harbaugh said. “But I would say that their job is to err on the side of player safety, so I can’t argue with that either.”

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Per the rules, game officials have the right to alert staff if they suspect a player on the field might have suffered a concussion. According to law firm Pope McGlamry, which specializes in medical-related cases, the change was made after San Diego Chargers’ Kris Dielman suffered a seizure on the flight back home after he was injured on the head during a 2011 game.

Even though Jaxson Dart has been lucky so far, the NFL does not want to risk things. According to NFL Analyst Warren Sharp, the quarterback made five trips to the medical tent in a 10-game span last year; his rookie season. Dart returning to the tent in the preseason itself might be a hassle for him, but the officials didn’t take a chance.

After all, Dart did say after the game he felt the wind was knocked out of him on that play. Ward’s helmet had collided with Dart’s chest. The Giants have got to protect their star better.

“My feelings in that moment was, we need to block better,” Harbaugh said in the post-game presser.

Jaxson Dart went 3-of-4 for 26 passing yards, recorded one score and two sacks. The Giants were outplayed by the Vikings, who pulled away with a 13-10 victory.