The New York Giants are expected to have quarterback Jaxson Dart and most of their starters available for Saturday’s preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, reports ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
“The expectation is that quarterback Jaxson Dart and most of the Giants’ starters will play against the Vikings, according to multiple sources,” Raanan said. “That makes sense considering Harbaugh said earlier this week that he values game experience in the preseason, and Dart doesn’t have a lot of game experience.”
Raanan added that the starters are not expected to play for an extended period. The decision aligns with head coach John Harbaugh’s stated approach to preseason evaluation.
Harbaugh addressed the balance between development and caution earlier in the week.
“I value first team reps very much. And you have to measure that against the risk. So, there is risk as well. And that’s part of it, too. And you have to make that decision,” Harbaugh said.
Dart, selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, remains early in his professional development. Limited regular-season experience makes meaningful preseason snaps particularly valuable as the coaching staff evaluates the offense under Harbaugh’s system.
The Giants open the preseason against the Vikings with an opportunity to give key contributors live game action before the regular season begins. Harbaugh’s emphasis on first-team repetitions suggests the coaching staff sees benefit in placing starters in game situations, even while carefully managing the inherent risk that comes with preseason play.
How much the starters ultimately play will depend on the flow of the contest and Harbaugh’s ongoing assessment of risk versus reward.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Report: New York Giants expected to play starters vs. Minnesota Vikings