The first thing the New York Giants did after firing Ben McAdoo in 2017 was insert Eli Manning back into the starting role after one week on the bench.
The Giants don’t have any interest in displacing starter Jaxson Dart after Brian Daboll’s firing, but interim coach Mike Kafka is still making a notable change in the quarterback room.
Jameis Winston will be elevated above Russell Wilson on the depth chart for the first time this season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, putting the former No. 1 overall pick in line to start if Dart can’t clear concussion protocol.
Here’s an updated look at the Giants’ quarterback depth chart after Daboll’s firing.
MORE WEEK 11 NFL:
Giants QB depth chart
| QB | Player |
| 1 | Jaxson Dart* |
| 2 | Jameis Winston |
| 3 | Russell Wilson |
* — In concussion protocol.
1. Jaxson Dart
Dart is the Giants' undisputed No. 1 quarterback, but there is a real chance he won't be able to play on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers after being diagnosed with a concussion against the Chicago Bears in Week 10.
While Dart's fearlessness has led him to receive a handful of evaluations for head injuries already this season, the first-round rookie has otherwise been everything the Giants hoped he would be in a limited time as their starter. Dart has accounted for 17 touchdowns, including rushing touchdowns, to just three interceptions through seven starts, all while playing without top WR Malik Nabers.
The next Giants coach will be hired with Dart in mind as New York tries to mold its potential franchise quarterback into one who can help the team get back to winning consistently.
MORE: Why the Giants fired Brian Daboll
2. Jameis Winston
Winston has spent the season as the Giants' No. 3 quarterback up to this point, but he is potentially in line to see his first action in a New York uniform against the Packers with Dart's status up in the air.
The former No. 1 overall pick made seven starts for the Cleveland Browns in 2024, throwing for 2,121 yards and 13 touchdowns but also tossing 12 interceptions. The turnover risk is a predictable part of the Winston experience, but that's a risk Kafka is willing to take given his ceiling appears to be higher than Wilson's at the moment.
3. Russell Wilson
Wilson only lasted three games as the Giants' starter before being replaced by Dart on top of the depth chart in Week 4. Since then, questions about the former Super Bowl champion's future have only grown louder. Wilson was ineffective after replacing Dart late in the loss to the Bears, keeping the door open for a Chicago comeback, and Kafka has evidently seen all he needs to see to give Winston the keys if Dart can't play.
Once Dart is healthy, Wilson is set to be the Giants' emergency No. 3 quarterback, only usable in case of injuries to both players ahead of him on the depth chart.
MORE: Ranking best Giants coaching candidates to replace Brian Daboll
Is Jameis Winston starting?
Winston is now in line to start on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers if Dart isn’t cleared following the concussion he suffered against the Bears.
While it isn’t clear whether the Giants expect Dart to be available on Sunday, Winston will prepare as though he is starting, with Wilson set to serve as his backup if Dart can’t go.
Winston has started games for three teams in 11 seasons, including a five-year stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers largely spent as a starter.
What happened to Jaxson Dart?
Dart exited Sunday's loss to the Bears with a concussion. The injury occurred at the end of a run for a first down with the Giants already leading by 10.
The ensuing events changed the Giants' season, as the Bears outscored New York 17-3 the rest of the way and Brian Daboll was fired as Giants head coach the following day.
Whether Dart can clear concussion protocol in time to start against the Packers isn't clear, but the Giants are preparing Winston to start if the rookie can't go.