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Egbuka's Injury Propels Jaxson Dart to OROY Frontrunner Status

Egbuka's Injury Propels Jaxson Dart to OROY Frontrunner Status

Jaxson Dart has surged to the forefront of the Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) race following a standout Week 6 performance that led the New York Giants to an upset victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. With the latest updates on Emeka Egbuka's injury, Dart now stands as the clear favorite in a competitive field of NFL newcomers.

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Dart's odds have shifted dramatically to -110 for the OROY award. Just before Week 6, he was listed at +750, but his pivotal role in the Giants' win improved his standing to +150. This rapid ascent reflects his growing impact on a team that has exceeded early-season expectations.
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Egbuka, who had been the betting favorite at wide receiver since Week 2 with +130 odds heading into Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers, suffered a hamstring injury early in the 49ers game. NFL Network reports indicate he'll be sidelined for an extended period, though insider Ian Rapoport described it as "not appearing serious." This setback has opened the door for other rookies to climb the leaderboard.

Fellow contenders like Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (+500) and Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (+800) have seen their odds improve after strong Week 6 outings. Egbuka's absence has undoubtedly contributed to this shift, highlighting the volatility of rookie awards in the NFL.

Dart's command of the race is bolstered by his high-profile quarterback position and leadership of the previously winless Giants to back-to-back victories against unbeaten squads like the Chargers and Eagles. He's notched six touchdowns in those games, consistently scoring over 50 fantasy points in his last three starts. Continued high production and more upsets could solidify his claim to the award. Teammate running back Cam Skattebo has also risen to +1500 odds, while edge rusher Abdul Carter leads Defensive Rookie of the Year odds at +175, ahead of Jihaad Campbell at +290.

The Giants face a daunting schedule ahead, including matchups against the Broncos, Eagles, 49ers, Bears, Packers, and Patriots—all at .500 or better—before their Week 14 bye. Bettors backing Dart for OROY must believe in his ability to engineer more shocks. However, injury concerns loom large; Dart has dealt with multiple issues, including a recent concussion protocol that has the league investigating potential Giants violations. He's expected to play this week against the Broncos, where New York is a 7-point underdog on FanDuel.

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Ex-Packers Pro CB Jaire Alexander Fan Favorite Opens Up: Refused Bears Offer, Still Waiting for Right Team
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — December 26, 2025 Former Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander, once one of the NFL’s most electrifying defensive playmakers, has broken his silence about his future — and revealed why he recently turned down a major offer from the Chicago Bears. Alexander, currently recovering from multiple injuries and taking a personal leave from football, spoke candidly about loyalty, identity, and why he refuses to take the field against the team that drafted him and shaped his career. His comments arrive as the Eagles continue to hold his contractual rights while he remains away from the roster and undergoing intensive rehab. Alexander’s NFL journey has taken a dramatic turn in 2025. After being traded from the Baltimore Ravens to the Philadelphia Eagles at the Week 9 deadline, he never saw the field again due to a serious knee ligament tear suffered late in his Packers tenure, compounded by ongoing neck and shoulder issues from his time in Baltimore. He played just two games this entire season and has appeared in only 38% of defensive snaps across the last three years. On November 12, he officially announced that he was stepping away from football temporarily to “heal physically and mentally” — a statement that immediately raised questions about whether retirement could be approaching. Even with the uncertainty surrounding his health, multiple teams quietly reached out, hoping to secure a bargain signing if Alexander decided to return. According to league sources, the Chicago Bears were the most aggressive suitor, offering a starting role and strong financial terms for 2026. Chicago believes Alexander’s instincts and ball skills could instantly stabilize their secondary. But the offer never stood a chance. Alexander didn’t decline because of injuries, money, or scheme fit — he refused because of what the Bears represent. In his first public remarks on the matter, Alexander was unequivocal, emotional, and unwavering.“THE PACKERS GAVE ME A CHANCE. THEY GAVE ME A HOME. JOIN THE BEARS JUST TO GO AGAINST THEM? NO. I WON'T BETRAY THAT TRUST — NOT EVEN FOR A SINGLE SNAP. THERE'S NO AMOUNT OF MONEY BIG ENOUGH TO MAKE ME TURN MY BACK ON THE PLACE I CALL HOME.”Those words, delivered with conviction, have already gone viral among Packers fans who still view Alexander as one of the franchise’s iconic modern defenders. Inside league circles, Alexander’s refusal has only elevated his standing among former teammates, many of whom privately describe him as “family forever” in Green Bay. Drafted 18th overall in 2018, Alexander rose quickly to All-Pro status and became the emotional center of the Packers secondary. His swagger, physicality, and shutdown ability defined the defensive identity through multiple playoff runs. Even after short, injury-marred stops in Baltimore and Philadelphia, his allegiance has never wavered. “He’ll always be a Packer,” one NFC executive said. “Some guys leave — Jaire never did.” As he continues rehabbing in Florida, Alexander plans to make a final decision on his football future sometime in late December or early January. Retirement remains possible. A comeback remains possible. But one thing is certain: he will not wear Chicago blue and orange, or any uniform that requires him to line up against Green Bay. For now, the league waits while Alexander prioritizes healing — and while one of the NFL’s most gifted corners decides whether his next step is a return to the field or a graceful exit from the game he once dominated.