NFL QB watch: Giants' Jaxson Dart and Bengals' Joe Burrow nearing return to action

Two NFL quarterbacks whose presence transforms their teams' offenses are inching closer to returning to the field.

First-year signal-caller Jaxson Dart of the New York Giants is clearing major hurdles after a concussion that sidelined him in Week 10, and could resume his bid to become Offensive Rookie of the Year this weekend.

And Cincinnati Bengals' quarterback Joe Burrow, a two-time Comeback Player of the Year, has just returned to full-team practice following a turf-toe injury that has sidelined him since Week 2.

Catch every snap of the NFL season on DAZN

UK fans can pick up an annual pass for the rest of the NFL season – playoffs and Super Bowl included – for the discounted price of £84.99. If you prefer more flexibility, monthly subscriptions are available from just £17.99.

Game Pass gives you access to every game live or on demand, along with RedZone, NFL Network, and round-the-clock programming. You’ll also get DAZN’s weekly original shows, including Downs 2 Business, Kittle Things, and the X’s & O’s coaching breakdown.

Click here for more details and to sign up.

Jaxson Dart, QB - New York Giants

Dart returned to practice on Wednesday in a limited role - an encouraging sign that he's progressing through the NFL’s concussion protocol.

The rookie was sidelined during the Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears and was replaced by veteran Jameis Winston last weekend.

Interim head coach Mike Kafka addressed the possibility of Dart's return against the Detroit Lions this weekend.

"If he's healthy and cleared to go, then I'd like Jaxson Dart to play," he said during Wednesday's press conference.

"We just had a great walk-through with him and the offense, so I'm excited for this practice," Kafka added.

Dart had been playing as well as any rookie before the injury, completing 62.7% of his passes for 1,417 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and only three interceptions.

The 22-year-old had also shown off his wheels, adding 317 rushing yards and seven rushing scores on the ground.

The Giants may be mired at 2-9 and out of playoff contention, but Dart's return is an opportunity to bring a spark to the offense, and perhaps build the momentum that the team desperately needs to carry over into 2026.

Joe Burrow, QB - Cincinnati Bengals

On Wednesday, Burrow logged a full practice for the first time since the turf-toe surgery that knocked him out early in the season.

Cincinnati has opened the 21-day return window for his return, and while the team isn’t giving a date for his activation, the message is clear that their franchise quarterback is close.

Head coach Zac Taylor wouldn't be drawn on whether Burrow would start Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.

"Until we get through some practices, there's no reason for me to even speculate on that," he said before Wednesday's session.

Burrow’s comeback probably won’t rescue a 3–7 Bengals team from sliding into its first losing season since 2020, but for a group desperate to reset the storyline and finish with some pride, getting their leader back is paramount.