N.Y. Giants to bench Russell Wilson, start QB Jaxson Dart vs. Chargers

Sept. 23 (UPI) -- The New York Giants will bench quarterback Russell Wilson and start rookie Jaxson Dart against the Los Angeles Chargers, a league source told UPI on Tuesday.

Dart, who joined the Giants when they traded to move back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, started the year as the No. 3 quarterback on their depth chart. The former Ole Miss star usurped Jameis Winston as Wilson's primary backup before Week 1.

Wilson, 36, completed a career-low 59.1% of his throws for 778 yards, three scores and three interceptions through the first three weeks of 2025 for the 0-3 Giants. Dart made two appearances during that span, but did not throw a pass.

Head coach Brian Daboll told reporters that the Giants were "evaluating everything" when asked Monday about if Wilson would remain the starting quarterback.

"I'm not saying who is starting ..." Daboll said. "I'm just saying we are evaluating everything right now."

Daboll said coaches were evaluating protections, routes, throws, reads and more when deciding on a starter at the position. Wilson completed 17 of 37 passes for 168 yards in his first start for the Giants, a 21-6 loss to the Washington Commanders.

He bounced back a week later, completing 30 of 41 passes for 450 yards, three scores and an interception in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Wilson completed 18 of 32 passes for 160 yards in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.

"We have to do a better job collectively to improve the pass game," Daboll said. "We had one good game throwing the football. Then [Sunday] we took a step back and need to improve in that area."

The Giants signed Wilson to a one-year, $10.5 million deal in March. The 10-time Pro Bowl selection and former Super Bowl winner completed 63.7% of his throws for 2,482 yards, 16 scores and five interceptions over 11 starts last season for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Giants will host the Chargers at 1 p.m. EDT Sunday in East Rutherford.