Giants News
Giants Turn to Jameis Winston as Injuries Mount
The New York Giants will start Jameis Winston at quarterback Sunday against the Green Bay Packers after starter Jaxson Dart entered concussion protocol. The move marks interim coach Mike Kafka’s first major roster decision since taking over this week. Winston steps in after Dart sustained a concussion during the Giants’ 24-20 loss to Chicago last Sunday. Dart left the game in the third quarter following a hit while scrambling. He had completed 19 of 29 passes for 242 yards and rushed for 66 yards and two touchdowns before exiting.
The quarterback change comes as the Giants deal with mounting injuries across their offense. Wide receiver Darius Slayton will likely miss Sunday’s game after suffering a hamstring injury against the Bears. Kafka said Friday that Slayton did not practice all week and is not expected to suit up at MetLife Stadium.
“He’s done a great job since he’s been here,” Kafka said of Winston. “I’ve got a lot of trust in that room. I think Jameis will do a heck of a job.”
Winston signed a two-year deal with the Giants in March but spent the season as the emergency third quarterback. He last started in December 2024 for Cleveland, where he threw for 2,121 yards with 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in seven starts. Slayton caught four passes for 89 yards before leaving the Chicago game. He returned in the second half but aggravated the injury. His absence further thins a receiving corps already without star Malik Nabers, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 4.
Wan’Dale Robinson will lead the receiving group on Sunday. However, Tight end Theo Johnson, who caught seven passes for 75 yards against Chicago, should see increased targets. This is a sneaky fantasy starter for those looking for a tight end with upside in deep leagues and DFS.
Wide receivers Jalin Hyatt, Isaiah Hodgins, and Gunner Olszewski will rotate into expanded roles.
The Giants’ offensive struggles have deepened since Kafka’s promotion. New York blew a 17-7 third-quarter lead against the Bears, allowing 14 fourth-quarter points. The loss dropped the Giants to 2-8 and extended their losing streak to four games.
Green Bay enters with a 5-3-1 record but has lost two straight. The Packers rank fifth in total defense and seventh in points allowed. They’ve held six opponents under 19 points this season. Winston will face Jeff Hafley’s defense without his top two receivers. Russell Wilson, who briefly replaced Dart against Chicago, will serve as backup. Wilson completed three of seven passes for 45 yards in relief.
The Giants drafted Dart with the 25th overall pick in April after trading up. He has thrown 10 touchdown passes and rushed for seven more in seven starts. His development became a focal point after the team benched Wilson following an 0-3 start.
Kafka previously served as offensive coordinator and has called plays since 2022. He worked closely with the quarterbacks throughout the season. The Giants host Green Bay at 1 p.m. Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
