By Moses Joshua 
Rookie QB’s Return Adds Intrigue to a Crucial Bounce-Back Game for Detroit
A Routine Win? Not Anymore
The Detroit Lions hoped their Week 12 matchup against the struggling New York Giants would offer a clean runway to recover from an ugly 16-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. But as Sunday approaches, what once looked like a straightforward contest has suddenly grown more complicated.
Detroit’s defeat on November 16 exposed a team out of rhythm — especially on offense, where the Lions went 0-for-5 on fourth down and never found their footing. That performance knocked them out of sync and out of the NFC North’s top spot. What matters now is how they regroup.
The good news? A win over the 2-9 Giants won’t say much about their postseason readiness.
The bad news? A loss would say everything.
Giants Get a Major Boost at the Worst Time for Detroit
Just as Detroit turns its focus toward a must-win bounce-back game, New York’s offense is getting an unexpected lift. According to a report from North Jersey’s Art Stapleton, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is expected to play on Sunday, returning after missing Week 11 with a concussion.
Dart’s presence drastically changes the tone of this matchup. Before his injury, the 22-year-old was quietly putting together an impressive debut season, completing 62.7% of his passes for 1,417 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, while also adding 317 rushing yards and seven scores.
Stapleton noted that “the expectation is that the 22-year-old rookie will practice Wednesday and continue his progression in the latter stages of concussion protocol.” If all markers are cleared, Dart will be fully available when the Giants arrive at Ford Field.
He reinforced the news on X, writing:
“Jaxson Dart will be back at practice today with the expectation he will have the chance to return Sunday in Detroit, per sources.”
For the Lions, that means no resting on records, no assuming an overmatched opponent, and no underestimating a quarterback who has already shown he can extend plays and rack up yards on the ground.
Detroit’s Defense Is Ready — But the Offense Must Respond
While Dart’s return complicates the picture, the Lions’ defense wasn’t the problem against Philadelphia. Aidan Hutchinson and the defensive unit held firm, doing everything possible to keep the game within reach.
The real concern lies with Detroit’s offense, which stalled repeatedly and failed to convert critical opportunities. If the Lions want to avoid a disastrous trap game, Dan Campbell must ensure his playmakers rediscover the rhythm they dominated with earlier in the season.
One break Detroit will get: the Giants will be without rookie running back Cam Skattebo, who remains sidelined after suffering an injury on October 26. His absence limits New York’s options and should allow the Lions’ front seven to focus more heavily on containing Dart.
A Must-Win With No Excuses
The Lions are still an exceptionally talented team — one capable of making a deep postseason push. But to stay on that path, they can’t afford to stumble against a Giants squad whose record doesn’t tell the entire story.
Detroit doesn’t need style points.
They don’t need to blow the Giants out.
They simply need to win.
And after last week’s disappointment, nothing less will do.