Is Jaxson Dart playing today?

Rodney Knuppel

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Is Jaxson Dart playing today? image

The answer is closer to YES than it is NO!

The New York Giants are keeping things interesting heading into their Week 1 matchup against the Washington Commanders. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has been given a set of plays designed specifically for him, according to team sources.

Dart will dress as the No. 2 option behind Russell Wilson, while Jameis Winston slides into the emergency third spot. The decision clears up a summer-long question about who would back up the 36-year-old Wilson, who signed with New York on a one-year deal in March.

The Giants never officially revealed Dart’s role last week, but their initial depth chart hinted at what was coming. Dart spent most of training camp taking second-team reps, showing enough poise and playmaking ability to catch the attention of coaches and teammates.

A teammate's thoughts

“He’s been running the offense with confidence,” wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson said. “You can tell the coaches trust him and know how to use him.”

Drafted 25th overall after the Giants traded back into the first round, Dart arrived from Ole Miss with plenty of expectations. His preseason performance only fueled the buzz, completing 32 of 47 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns without a single interception. He also added a rushing score, proving he could extend plays with his legs.

MORE: NFL Week 1 Sunday games: Full schedule and key storylines

With Wilson firmly entrenched as the starter, Dart isn’t expected to take over right away. Still, having a package ready for him in Week 1 shows how much the coaching staff values his skillset. His father will be in attendance in Washington, ready to watch what could be his son’s NFL debut.

The Giants and Commanders kick off Sunday in what could be the first glimpse of how Brian Daboll plans to mix a veteran quarterback with a first-round rookie waiting in the wings.

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Rodney Knuppel

Rodney Knuppel is a freelance writer for The Sporting News. When not watching, listening or writing about sports, Rodney enjoys following the travels of his three kids, who are all active in their own sports and activities. A huge St. Louis Cardinals fan, Rodney also enjoys St. Louis Blues hockey and is a big Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan.