The NFL and NFL Players Association have fined the New York Giants, head coach Brian Daboll and running back Cam Skattebo a total of $315,000 for violating the league’s concussion protocol during an evaluation of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. The incident occurred during the Giants’ 9 October game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium.
The Giants were fined $200,000, Daboll $100,000 and Skattebo $15,000 for conduct detrimental to the league. According to the league’s review, Daboll briefly stuck his head inside the blue sideline medical tent while Dart was being evaluated for a concussion, and Skattebo entered the tent before the exam was complete. The protocol allows only essential medical personnel to be present during such evaluations.
The joint NFL–NFLPA statement said the coach and player’s presence “created the perception that they were interfering with Dart’s exam”. Although no evidence was found that either affected the medical evaluation or care, the parties concluded their conduct demonstrated a disregard for the protocol’s requirements. The league noted that the Giants’ medical staff and independent neurotrauma consultant otherwise properly followed all required steps.
Daboll was later seen speaking animatedly with team doctor Scott Rodeo while waiting for Dart’s clearance. After the game, the coach said he wanted to check on his quarterback’s well-being and assess whether to use a timeout for a fourth-down conversion if Dart was available. Dart returned to finish the game, a surprise 34-17 win for New York, and later cleared the return-to-play process.
The Giants have since implemented 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 these corrective actions when determining the fines. The NFL’s concussion protocol has faced heightened scrutiny after high-profile head injury incidents, including those involving Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in 2024.
