The New York Giants have been fined $200,000 for violating the NFL's concussion protocol during an evaluation of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, the league and NFL Players Association announced on Friday. Head coach Brian Daboll was fined $100,000 and running back Cam Skattebo $15,000 for conduct detrimental to the league.
The incident occurred during the Giants' 34-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on 9 October at MetLife Stadium. After Dart was sacked in the third quarter and remained on the turf clutching his helmet, he was taken to the blue sideline medical tent for a concussion evaluation by team physicians and an independent neurotrauma consultant.
According to the league's review, Daboll approached the tent during the evaluation and briefly stuck his head inside. Skattebo, who had come off the field on the same series, also entered the tent before the exam was complete. Both actions violated the protocol, which allows only essential medical personnel to be present during a player's evaluation.
The joint NFL–NFLPA statement said the coach and player's presence 'created the perception that they were interfering with Dart's exam'. Although the review found no evidence that either affected the medical evaluation or care, the parties concluded that 'their conduct was inconsistent with and demonstrated a disregard for the concussion protocol's requirements'.
The league noted that the Giants' medical staff and unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant 'properly followed all steps required' by the policy. The organisation has since implemented 'immediate remedial steps', including additional staff training and new procedures to ensure only authorised individuals can enter the medical tent during an evaluation. These corrective actions were considered when determining the fines.
Dart returned to finish the game and later cleared all required steps in the league's return-to-play process. The NFL's concussion protocol has been under heightened scrutiny after several high-profile head injury incidents, most notably those involving Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in 2024.
