Sources: Winston gets the nod over Wilson as Dart recovers from concussion.
In a significant shift for their Week 7 lineup, the New York Giants are expected to start veteran quarterback Jameis Winston against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jordan Raanan on Wednesday.
The decision comes after rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a concussion during the team’s Week 6 loss to the Chicago Bears. Head coach Brian Turner is turning to Winston’s experience over that of former starter Russell Wilson, who began the season as the QB1.
From Third-String to Starter: Winston’s Sudden Ascent
Winston’s journey to this start is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NFL. He signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Giants in the 2024 offseason, bringing a veteran presence to the quarterback room. However, he entered the 2025 campaign as the third-string quarterback, firmly behind Wilson, the Week 1 starter, and Dart, the promising rookie who took over the reins in Week 4.
This will be Winston’s first game action since Week 15 of the 2024 season, when he was a member of the Cleveland Browns. Known for his aggressive downfield passing style, Winston now has an opportunity to lead the Giants’ offense and potentially reshape the team’s quarterback narrative for the remainder of the season.
The Incident That Prompted the Change
The quarterback carousel was set in motion during the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Bears. On a designed run play, Dart fumbled the ball after a hard hit from a defensive lineman tracking back to make a play. The force of the collision caused Dart’s head to snap back and hit the turf.
Dart remained on the field for several seconds on his knees before getting up slowly and eventually walking to the sideline under his own power. After being evaluated, he controversially returned for the following drive for two plays before the end of the quarter. During the break between quarters, he was escorted to the blue medical tent for further evaluation and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game in the fourth quarter.
The Giants have since placed Dart in the league’s concussion protocol, and his status for future games is uncertain.
Looking Ahead to Lambeau
The Giants now prepare for a challenging road test at Lambeau Field. Winston, the 2015 first-overall pick, will be tasked with jumpstarting an offense that has struggled with consistency this season. His arm strength and willingness to take deep shots could provide a spark for receivers like Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson.
All eyes will be on whether Winston can secure the starting job beyond this week or if this is a temporary solution until Dart is medically cleared. The decision to bypass Wilson entirely suggests the coaching staff may be looking for a different offensive identity as the team navigates a crucial part of its schedule.
The Giants’ quarterback situation remains fluid, but for now, the team is placing its faith in Jameis Winston to lead them against the Green Bay Packers.
