Giants' Mike Kafka explains 'fine line' with QB Jaxson Dart, who remains in concussion protocol

Following Sunday's loss to Green Bay, the Giants find themselves now looking to snap a five-game losing streak as they head to Detroit for a matchup with the Lions.

And whileSNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes reported on Sunday night that Jaxson Dart is expected to be cleared to return for that game, interim head coach Mike Kafka said on Monday that the first-round pick remains in the league's concussion protocol.

Jaxson's still in the protocol, so I'm gonna see that through, talk with the medical [staff], and when they give us the thumbs-up then we'll take the next action," Kafka said.

With Dart sidelined, Jameis Winston started against Green Bay, throwing for 201 yards and accounting for a pair of touchdowns. But he also lost a fumble, threw a late interception, and had a number of other passes that easily could have been intercepted.

When healthy, Dart has played well since taking over as the Giants' starter in Week 4. The Ole Miss product has totaled 17 touchdowns (10 passing, seven rushing) while throwing for 1,417 yards and rushing for another 317 yards, but he's also taken his fair share of big hits, including in the loss to Chicago, when Dart suffered his concussion.

Speaking of Dart's playing style on Monday, Kafka described the fine line" between his quarterback playing aggressively, which is what drew them to him during the draft process, and playing recklessly.

I think Jaxson, going through the whole draft process with him and understanding what kind of player he is, he's an aggressive player. That's what we love about him," Kafka said. But obviously, you want to show him some examples that he can learn from. I think he's going through that now. I think he'll continue to grow from those things, but at the end of the day, he is a competitor. That's why we love this guy. And I think he'll continue to learn and grow, but you don't want to put a player like that in a box."

Kafka added: The last thing I want him [doing] out there is playing timid or afraid of getting injured. You want him to go play as hard as he possibly can. Now, there are going to be opportunities for him to go ahead and get down, and I trust that he'll make the smart choice. There are going to be opportunities where he's got to go get a first down, and I trust that he's going to make the right choice."

The Giants have a pair of road games in Detroit and New England up next on their schedule, followed by their Week 14 bye. A heathy Dart for the team's final six games would certainly go a long way for the Giants (2-8), who are looking to avoid their third straight season of six or fewer wins.