Update, Wednesday: Dart will have surgery on his left knee and his 2026 season is over, NFL Network reported Wednesday; he is expected to make a full recovery. Jameis Winston is the Giants’ starter.
How it unfolded: the Giants quarterback hurt his left knee on the opening drive of Monday night’s 28-6 loss at the Rams, was first believed to have a sprained MCL, and then Tuesday’s MRI showed the damage was worse than expected. NFL Network reported he is out for an extended period and likely lost for the year, with ESPN adding he could need season ending surgery. Jameis Winston starts Sunday at home against Tennessee at 1 p.m. ET. Coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday that evaluations are ongoing and no final decision has been made.
| Injury | Left knee; MRI Tuesday showed more than an MCL sprain, specifics not announced |
| When | Monday, September 21, first drive at Los Angeles |
| Outlook | Extended absence, possibly the season, per NFL Network and ESPN; team has not confirmed |
| Week 3 starter | Jameis Winston vs. Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET |
| Other quarterbacks | None on the 53; Jake Haener on the practice squad |
How It Happened
Under pressure on third down, Dart jumped to throw downfield and was hit by Rams linebackers Josaiah Stewart and Byron Young as he landed, going down holding his left knee. He limped off, had negative X-rays, tried to get back in during the first half and was not allowed to, then watched the rest of the game from the sideline in street clothes. General manager Joe Schoen told the broadcast during the game that Dart was going to be OK, and Harbaugh said Monday night the team had avoided the devastating outcome. Tuesday’s MRI changed that.
What the Giants Have Said
Harbaugh, minutes after the report broke, said the team had learned a lot more and would not share details until decisions were made, noting that inside and outside doctors are involved. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo said Wednesday that several timelines are on the table, none of them good and one of them season ending, and that Dart hoped for more clarity midweek.
Jameis Winston and the Quarterback Question
Winston, who signed a two year, $13 million extension before Week 1, relieved Dart and went 11 of 27 for 111 yards with an interception and two sacks. He is the only other quarterback on the roster, so the Giants are expected to look at free agents and the trade market for a second option. The schedule from here is Tennessee and Arizona at home, then Washington, New Orleans and Houston before the Week 8 bye.
What Dart Had Done
Dart threw for 230 yards and three touchdowns in the Week 1 win over Dallas after a rookie season of 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in 14 games, plus 487 rushing yards and nine rushing scores. He missed time as a rookie with a concussion in November.
What to Watch
A surgery decision or an injured reserve move would make it official. Either announcement is expected this week; this page is updated when it comes.
Related
Jaxson Dart stats · Jayden Daniels injury · NFL injury report · Week 3 schedule