New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is expected to undergo season-ending knee surgery after suffering a left knee injury during Monday’s 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, sources told NFL Network.
Dart’s ACL is intact, but he has damage to his meniscus, MCL, and PCL that collectively requires surgical intervention. The Giants expect a full recovery and anticipate Dart will be ready for the 2027 season. The team initially hoped the injury was less severe — coach John Harbaugh said Monday they may have avoided “a disastrous outcome” — but additional medical evaluations and second opinions led to the decision to proceed with surgery.
How the Injury Happened
The Giants lost Dart on just their seventh offensive snap of the game. He was hit on his right side by Rams linebacker Byron Young, which drove him into linebacker Josaiah Stewart, who undercut the quarterback’s legs. Dart immediately reached for his left knee, was evaluated in the medical tent on the sideline, and walked with a limp to the locker room before being ruled out early in the third quarter. Harbaugh declined to comment Tuesday when sources confirmed the injury was more serious than initially believed, citing ongoing medical evaluations.
What the Giants Do Now
New York will turn to Jameis Winston as its starter. Winston struggled in relief of Dart against the Rams, completing just 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and throwing an interception. Despite that performance, Harbaugh expressed confidence in Winston’s ability to lead the offence going forward. Jake Haener remains on the practice squad as the third-string option.
Dart, 23, had been one of the more promising young quarterbacks in the league entering the 2026 season. He was exceptional in the Giants’ Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys, completing 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 54 yards. His injury is a significant blow to a team now sitting 1-1 with an uncertain path forward at the most important position on the field.
Stay informed. Subscribe to the JournalTodays Newsletter for the latest NFL injury news, New York Giants coverage, and football updates delivered straight to your inbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Dart has damage to his meniscus, MCL, and PCL in his left knee. His ACL is intact. He is expected to have season-ending surgery but is anticipated to make a full recovery in time for the 2027 season.
A: Dart was hit on his right side by Rams linebacker Byron Young on the Giants’ seventh offensive snap of Monday’s game, which drove him into linebacker Josaiah Stewart, who undercut his legs and caused the fall.
A: Jameis Winston will start in Dart’s absence. He struggled in relief Monday, completing 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards with an interception. Jake Haener is on the practice squad as the backup option.
A: In the Giants’ Week 1 win over the Cowboys, Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 54 yards — a strong start to his second NFL season.
A: New York is 1-1. Dart’s absence for the remainder of the season significantly changes their competitive outlook and could affect their draft positioning, though no specific implications have been addressed by the organisation yet.
