The NFL and NFL Players Association have fined the New York Giants $200,000, head coach Brian Daboll $100,000 and running back Cam Skattebo $15,000 for violating the league’s concussion protocol during an evaluation of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on 9 October.
The incident occurred at MetLife Stadium after Dart was sacked in the third quarter and taken to the blue sideline medical tent for a concussion assessment. According to the league’s review, Daboll briefly stuck his head inside the tent and Skattebo entered it before the evaluation was complete, actions that violate protocol allowing only essential medical personnel to be present.
The joint NFL–NFLPA statement said the conduct “created the perception that they were interfering with Dart’s exam” and demonstrated “a disregard for the concussion protocol’s requirements”. However, the review found no evidence that either affected the medical evaluation or care Dart received.
Daboll later said he wanted to check on his quarterback’s well-being and determine whether to use a timeout for a fourth-down conversion if Dart was available. The Giants’ medical staff and independent neurotrauma consultant were found to have “properly followed all steps required” by the concussion policy.
The organisation has since implemented “immediate remedial steps”, including additional staff training, refresher sessions for players and new procedures to restrict access to the medical tent. The league said it considered those corrective actions when determining the fines.
Dart returned to finish the game, a 34-17 win for New York, and later cleared all required steps in the return-to-play process. The NFL’s concussion protocol has faced heightened scrutiny after several high-profile head injury incidents, including those involving Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in 2024.
