Nick Brinkerhoff, USA TODAYTue, December 2, 2025 at 1:59 AM UTC·1 min readMonday Night Fights.
The New York Giants might be eliminated from playoff contention, but they aren't going quietly into the night. Especially as the New England Patriots take aim at Big Blue's rookie quarterback.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJaxson Dart cleared concussion protocol ahead of the Giants' Week 13 trip to New England, allowing him to retake his spot at the starting quarterback.
The Patriots certainly didn't waste any time reintroducing the rookie to the pros, however, as Christian Elliss laid the boom on Dart.
Both teams sparred following the play, but only the Giants' Theo Johnson was flagged for a personal foul.
It was the second time in as many drives that Dart took a big hit from a Patriots' defender and the second time it drew a reaction from the visiting team.
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
2 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.3 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.4 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.Reports indicated that the Giants were going to protect Dart from himself, opting to remove designed runs from the playbook to avoid any unnecessary hits, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhile the hit didn't look good, it was a legal one from Elliss. The linebacker hit the quarterback in the shoulder while he was still in bounds.
The Giants are hoping to coach that out of Dart, encouraging him to prioritize his health more going forward.
Early returns aren't promising, but Elliss' hit was yet another teaching moment for the rookie quarterback.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jaxson Dart takes big hit from Christian Elliss, sparks MNF fight
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