Skattebo plays and Dart clears
concussion protocol as Giants beat Patriots in preseason finale
[August 22, 2025]
By STEPHEN WHYNO
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Cam Skattebo saw his first game action
for the New York Giants and Jaxson Dart had an eventful preseason
finale by throwing a touchdown pass and clearing concussion protocol
following a big hit, with reserves playing much of a 42-10 rout of
the New England Patriots on Thursday night.
Skattebo started at running back after missing much of training camp
because of a hamstring injury setback and had three carries for 12
yards. Getting the the nod at quarterback with Russell Wilson and
most of the starters sitting out, Dart showed some more promise
along with a reminder he is a rookie.
The first-round pick out of Mississippi completed 6 of 12 passes for
81 yards, including a 50-yard throw and catch with Gunner Olszewski
and a touchdown to Greg Dulcich. Instead of sliding to give himself
up on a run late in the first quarter, he fumbled when tackled by
Jack Gibbens and was taken to the medical tent on the sideline to be
evaluated for a concussion.
“He got the wind knocked out of him,” coach Brian Daboll said. “He’s
good. Yeah, I would like him to slide on that.”
Dart did not return, though Daboll said it was always the plan to
turn to Jameis Winston after the first. Winston replaced Dart and
connected with Jalin Hyatt on a 27-yard TD on the next play.
“Shoutout to Jameis for throwing a touchdown and finishing that last
drive that I was in,” Dart said.
Dart finished the preseason 32 of 47 passing for 372 yards and three
touchdowns with no interceptions, also running six times for 52
yards and a TD.
“I feel like whenever my number is called that I’m going to go out
there and I’m going to play my game and I’m going to ball,” Dart
said. “That’s just my mindset any time I touch the field.”
Dart and No. 3 pick Abdul Carter, who was disruptive in the couple
of plays he got on the field, were the captains for the pregame coin
toss — a glimpse into what the organization hopes is its future
cornerstones on offense and defense.
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New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) hands off the ball to
running back Cam Skattebo (44) during the first quarter of an NFL
football game, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP
Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Fourth-string QB Tommy DeVito had three TD passes
after taking over for Winston, and rookie TJ Moore scored on a
44-yard pick-6. The Giants (3-0) went unbeaten in exhibition play
for the first time since 2019, outscoring opponents 107-47.
The Patriots (2-1) rested nearly all of their starters, including QB
Drake Maye, plus backup Josh Dobbs. In their absences, undrafted
free agent Ben Woolridge played the entire game, going 10 of 20 for
82 yards.
“Decided to do that and give us a chance to evaluate some other
players,” coach Mike Vrabel said his decision not to play most of
his first-team offense and defense. “Where we’re at is still
building and developing.”
Injuries
Patriots: Receiver Kendrick Bourne was among those who did not dress
because of a leg injury.
Giants: Moore was carted off after injuring his right leg on a punt
with under four minutes left. Teammates took a knee while he was
attended to by medical personnel, and Wilson, Dart and Winston
helped lift him onto the cart. Daboll said: "It wasn’t good. I feel
for that young man."
Up next
Patriots: Host Las Vegas to open the season Sept. 7.
Giants: At Washington to open the season Sept. 7.
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