The New York Giants are being investigated after head coach Brian Daboll was caught on camera leaning into the team’s medical tent during a concussion evaluation for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart in Thursday night’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Dart had been taken to the sideline after being sacked by Eagles linebacker Patrick Johnson and colliding with Azeez Ojulari late in the third quarter.
The NFL and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) confirmed that they launched a joint review to determine whether the team violated the league’s concussion protocol. Under those rules, only authorized medical personnel, including the team physician, an independent neurological consultant, and possibly a team athletic trainer, may be inside the tent during a concussion evaluation.
According to FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer, the Giants are “bracing for a hefty fine,” but, at this stage, no suspension or draft-pick penalty is expected.
- The NFL and NFLPA are jointly investigating the Giants for a potential violation of concussion protocol involving head coach Brian Daboll and quarterback Jaxson Dart.
- Daboll admitted to leaning into the tent but denied trying to influence the medical evaluation.
- The team expects a fine, while league officials consider whether competitive motives affected the situation.
Daboll’s Explanation and Apology
After the game, Brian Daboll told reporters he leaned into the tent briefly to check on Dart but insisted he did not interfere with the medical process.
“I went in—didn’t actually go in—just stuck my head in to see how our quarterback was doing,” Daboll said on Friday. “Just asked him, ‘How you doing?’”
He explained that his main concern was the timing of the evaluation, as the Giants were preparing for a possible fourth-down play.
“I was wondering if it took 10 minutes, if it takes an hour, or if it takes two minutes,” Daboll said. “That’s really where I was when I asked the question on the sideline about making a decision on the game. Health and safety are important to us; it’s important to me.”
Daboll also confirmed that he apologized directly to team physician Dr. Scott Rodeo, who was conducting the concussion check.
“We were getting ready to go for it on a potential fourth down,” he said. “I would have burned a timeout if he could have come out there. I was asking how long it was going to take. You want your guy out there, not at risk of anything else.”
He later emphasized that he respected the process and would continue to follow all concussion-related rules moving forward.
League and Player Reactions
The NFL’s chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, reiterated that the concussion protocol allows only a small group of authorized individuals in the medical tent.
“There are specific rules about who can be in the tent during a concussion evaluation—namely, the player, a team physician, an independent specialist, and potentially a team athletic trainer,” Sills said. “Never more than those people. Never any coaches in here, never any other players in here, never anybody else in here.”
Rookie running back Cam Skattebo also poked his head into the tent during Dart’s evaluation, later explaining that he was simply checking on his teammate.
“I was making sure that Jaxson wasn’t hurting anybody in the injury tent,” Skattebo joked. “When I was in there, he was a little fired up, but we know we have to go through protocol and do all that stuff to make sure we can get back on the field. I went in there and kind of said, ‘We’re good, man, we’ve got you,’ and that’s it.”
For Jaxson Dart, the evaluation felt familiar. It was at least the third time, including the preseason, that he had undergone a concussion check during a game.“It felt so long,” Dart said. “A few guys popped in. I was just trying to get back there on the field. I understand they have protocol and whatnot. I was just trying to get out there fast.”
When Dart was removed for testing, former starter Russell Wilson entered and threw one incomplete pass before the Giants punted.
Giants’ Betting Outlook and Market Reaction
The investigation has coincided with measurable movement in betting markets for the Giants’ upcoming game against the Denver Broncos. Sportsbooks including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, PointsBet, and Caesars opened with Denver favored by 7.5 points, and the line later shifted to -7, reflecting minor betting support for New York after its recent 34–17 win over Philadelphia.
Totals across major books have remained steady between 40.0 and 41.0 points, with most betting activity leaning toward the under, a response to Dart’s uncertain status and the Giants’ offensive inconsistency.
In futures markets, New York’s odds to make the playoffs have slightly lengthened, while most sportsbooks have temporarily adjusted or removed Jaxson Dart’s individual props pending confirmation of his medical clearance. Analysts have linked these adjustments directly to the ongoing NFL investigation and the possibility that Dart could miss time if concussion symptoms persist.
Giants’ Leadership Response and Possible Penalties
Team owner and CEO John Mara issued a statement the following day confirming the club’s cooperation with the league’s investigation.
“While I firmly believe, as he has stated, that he was not trying to influence the process in any way, he understands the appearance of going to the tent is inappropriate,” Mara said. “We have protocols in place to ensure player safety, and we need to allow our medical staff to execute those protocols without interference.”
On Saturday, the NFL sent a memo to all teams reminding them that coaches and players are not permitted in the medical tent during concussion evaluations. The memo outlined possible disciplinary actions, including reprimands, remedial training, fines, and the loss of draft picks if the violation is determined to have been motivated by competitive considerations.
Because Daboll admitted he wanted to know whether Dart would be cleared before deciding whether to call a timeout, the review will determine whether that constitutes a competitive factor.
Ongoing Review and Expected Outcome
The NFL and NFLPA continue to gather statements and review footage. Witness interviews are in progress, and league officials are expected to issue a final decision within the week. If investigators determine that Daboll’s actions were an attempt to influence or expedite the process, the team could face harsher penalties beyond monetary fines.
As of now, reports indicate that the Giants expect to be fined but do not anticipate suspensions or loss of draft picks. The outcome will clarify whether the violation was procedural or competitive, and how the league intends to enforce the rules governing player health and medical independence.
