While the Giants have all but confirmed Jaxson Dart will miss Sunday's home meeting against the Packers due to a concussion, there's reason to believe the rookie quarterback's absence won't linger beyond this week.

Dart stretched alongside teammates during practice on Friday, just moments after interim head coach Mike Kafka told reporters the youngster is "on track" with where he should be in the league's concussion protocol.

Only time will tell if another full week of proper rest and recovery clears Dart for a Week 12 return against the Lions, but his presence at Friday's practice is a clear sign of progress.

"I think he's on track in the protocol, where he's supposed to be on this day," Kafka said of Dart, who hasn't practiced all week. "I don't know if it's like over-track, under-track. [The doctors] just said he's on track, which is great news for me."

Once the Giants officially rule out Dart, starting duties will be handed to veteran backup Jameis Winston, poised to take the field for the first time since Week 14 of last season. Russell Wilson is now the stand-in and considered the third-stringer on a healthy depth chart.

Dart suffered the head injury midway through last Sunday's road loss to the Bears, after taking a hard hit on a scramble that resulted in a lost fumble. He went back in for two more snaps before the Giants conducted a concussion test. The third-party neurologist team didn't spot the issue then.

It's unclear which phase of the NFL's five-step protocol Dart is in, but some exercise with teammates on the field is encouraging. The Giants will err on the side of caution, as Dart has instilled hope by throwing for 1,417 yards with 10 touchdowns and just three interceptions in seven games. He's also rushed for 317 yards on 57 attempts with seven scores.

Whether or not he plays in Week 12, the future gameplan for Dart must be altered. He's already taken 77 hits this season, and landed in the blue tent four times.

Popular in the Community