The Giants are turning to a rookie to try and dig themselves out of an early-season hole.
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According to multiple reports, New York will start first-year quarterback Jaxson Dart against the Chargers on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. The move comes with the Giants sitting at 0-3 and searching for a spark on offense after back-to-back turnover-heavy outings.
Head coach Brian Daboll hinted on Monday that all personnel decisions were on the table when asked about the quarterback situation. By Tuesday, the decision appeared to be made.
Dart, who has seen just six offensive snaps over the last two weeks, will now get his first chance to run the offense for real. So far, the rookie has two carries for no gain and has not attempted a pass in the regular season. That will change quickly against Los Angeles.
The switch comes after Russell Wilson struggled in consecutive losses. Wilson threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns in Week 2 against Dallas, but an overtime interception sealed a Giants loss. Outside of that breakout game, the veteran has gone 35-of-69 for 328 yards with two more picks, including costly turnovers against the Chiefs on Sunday night.
Dart, a third-round pick from Ole Miss, showed flashes of dual-threat ability in the preseason. The Giants hope he can bring energy to an offense that has struggled to sustain drives and put points on the board.
The team also has Jameis Winston on the active roster, but reports indicate he will remain the No. 3 quarterback behind Dart and Wilson.
Sunday will mark Dart's first NFL start — and for a winless Giants team, it may already feel like a must-win.
