The New York Giants have made a significant change to their quarterback lineup, naming Jameis Winston as their starter for Sunday's crucial game against the Green Bay Packers.
Quarterback Shakeup Following Injury
This decision comes as rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart remains in the NFL's concussion protocol after suffering a head injury during last week's defeat against the Chicago Bears. Dart received a heavy blow during a fumble in the third quarter of that match.
Russell Wilson entered the game following Dart's injury but struggled to make an impact, and the team subsequently parted ways with head coach Brian Daboll after the loss. The quarterback situation has now taken another dramatic turn under new leadership.
Coaching Changes and Depth Chart Reshuffle
Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka has assumed head coaching responsibilities, and his first major decision has been to demote Wilson beneath Winston on the depth chart. This represents a substantial fall for Wilson, who began the season as the team's starting quarterback but now finds himself as the third-choice option.
ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter first broke the news of Winston's promotion on Wednesday morning, amid growing concerns that Dart wouldn't clear concussion protocols in time for the Packers clash.
Jaxson Dart had replaced Wilson in Week 4 of this season and had emerged as a rare bright spark for the struggling Giants, who currently hold a 2-8 record and sit at the bottom of the NFC East division.
Quarterback Careers at Crossroads
Winston last played in Week 15 of the 2024 season for the Cleveland Browns before signing a one-year, $8 million contract with New York. This will mark his first start since departing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the 2019 season, where he served as QB1 for five seasons before being replaced by Tom Brady.
Brady famously led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in his first season with the team in 2020, while Winston moved to New Orleans for four seasons before his Cleveland stint last year, where he appeared in 12 games and started seven.
Meanwhile, Wilson took to social media shortly after the quarterback decision became public on Wednesday, sharing photographs from his visit to a children's hospital in New York. "We owe it all to you, Jesus," Wilson wrote, adding: "Amazed by the gift of each day and the healing power of your love. Grateful for every Tuesday with the kids at @MountSinaiPeds @WhyNotYouFdn."
The Giants will hope Winston's experience can provide a spark as they face the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, with their season hanging in the balance at 2-8.
