After a shaky start to his first NFL training camp, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart showed clear signs of progress during Sunday’s practice session. The former USC and Ole Miss standout looked more confident, more decisive, and more in rhythm—especially with his work alongside the second-team offense.
“The game is starting to slow down,” Dart said following practice. “I felt confident in the installs, I had freedom to make some checks, and that just allowed me to play faster and make quicker decisions.”
The stats back it up. Dart finished the day 11-of-14 with better anticipation and quicker ball release—an encouraging turnaround after his early struggles, including a pick-six on his very first live pass of training camp.
Veteran quarterback Jameis Winston, who has emerged as both a vocal leader and mentor in the quarterback room, praised Dart’s growth.
“I think Jaxson is developing that execution state of his confidence,” Winston said. “He’s swagged out, he’s cool as a cucumber—but reps matter. The way Dabs is rotating us, it’s creating great chaos for Jaxson to learn this scheme.”
Dart acknowledged the importance of being thrown into tough situations.
“Coach put me in during a red zone rep at the end of a Jameis-led drive, and I appreciated that,” Dart said. “You don’t always know when your number will be called. That unpredictability has helped me prepare for anything.”
Carter Looks the Part of a Top Pick
First-round edge rusher Abdul Carter continues to validate the Giants’ faith in selecting him No. 3 overall. Sunday was another strong showing as Carter flashed his explosive first step and versatility across multiple roles in the defense. At times lined up on the edge and others off the ball, Carter looked fluid, fast, and instinctive.
“I’ve been enjoying it,” Carter said. “It’s been fun. Just trying to get better each day.”
Known for his freakish athleticism at Penn State, Carter said he embraces the challenge of bouncing between responsibilities, seeing it as a sign of respect from the coaching staff. His approach remains humble, often leaning on veterans Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns for guidance.
“I just watch them—how they prepare, how they carry themselves—and try to steal little pieces,” Carter said. “I’m still learning the edge. Pass rush is a science to me—it’s like playing chess.”
Asked about comparisons to Micah Parsons, Carter didn’t shy away.
“I learned a lot from Micah,” he said. “But I’m my own player. I’m going to be Abdul Carter.”
Head coach Brian Daboll praised Carter’s effort and instincts.
“He just practices hard and the right way,” Daboll said. “There are mistakes, like all rookies, but he’s a good addition. He’s a see-ball, get-ball kind of guy—very instinctive.”
Injury Report: Wan’Dale Shaken, Wheaton Carted Off
Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson left practice after a collision with safety Dane Belton, but stayed on the sideline and continued light work on the stationary bike. The Giants remain cautious but optimistic.
The same can’t be said for Bryce Ford-Wheaton, who suffered what appeared to be a significant non-contact injury to his left leg. He was carted off the field with a towel over his head in what Daboll later called “unfortunate.”
Winston Holds Court
Jameis Winston has been one of camp’s most vocal and cerebral leaders. Beyond his guidance to Dart, Winston offered valuable insight into the playbook, accountability, and how Daboll’s coaching style brings out the best in the quarterback room.
“Coach Daboll holds the rookie accountable the same way he does the 16-year vet,” Winston said. “That’s what we want to see in a leader.”
On his limited reps, Winston added:
“I look at it like I’m in a battle for my life. Every snap is an opportunity.”
Other Notes from Sunday’s Practice
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Cam Skattebo made one of the highlight plays of the day with a toe-tapping, full-extension sideline catch that drew applause—despite the replay revealing he was just out of bounds.
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The trenches get real tomorrow: Pads go on Monday, and players like Carter, Skattebo, and the offensive line are eager to raise the intensity.
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Dart and corner Nic Jones, who intercepted Dart on Day 1, continue a friendly back-and-forth competition. “He told me today, ‘I’m still coming after you,’” Dart said with a grin. “We’re making each other better.”
Coach’s Corner: Daboll Keeps Rotations Fluid
Daboll reiterated that while Russell Wilson remains the clear starter, the battle for QB2 between Winston, Dart, and Tommy DeVito remains open—and situational reps will continue to be shared unexpectedly.
“Sometimes they don’t even know when they’re going in,” Daboll said. “I throw them in to keep them and the coaches on their toes.”
On Dart’s growth: “He’s got the right mindset. He stays late, works hard. We’ll keep giving him reps and see how it plays out.”
Up Next: Full pads come on Monday, marking a significant escalation in intensity. With position battles heating up and rookies beginning to find their footing, the next week could start to shape the Giants’ 2025 depth chart in earnest.
Stay tuned to Back Sports Page for continued coverage from East Rutherford.
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