Sep 13, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) passes the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Optimism surrounding the New York Giants’ promising start in 2026 did not even last a full five quarters after star quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a knee injury in Big Blue’s 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night.
Multiple reports suggested that it’s a sprained MCL that would require a two-to-four-week absence, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that, after an MRI, it is worse than initially believed, and that Dart is facing the possibility of season-ending knee surgery.
Head coach John Harbaugh was not willing to go nearly as far on Tuesday, though he admitted that they have “learned a lot more” about the severity of the injury.
“I wouldn’t really want to share too much until decisions get made, and that takes more than one person,” Harbaugh said. “It takes everybody involved. So, when we know what direction we’re going to have to go or whatever it might be, we’ll announce that. But we don’t have that yet, so I don’t want to get out over our skis on that.”
The second-year passer’s left knee bent awkwardly on New York’s opening drive when he was hit from both ends by Rams pass rushers Byron Young and Josiah Stewart.
He walked off the field under his own power, then refused a cart for the trip to the locker room after being checked out in the blue medical tent on the sidelines. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game, and the updates did not go further than that.
“There’s no question [it was a relief],” head coach John Harbaugh initially said of Dart walking off. “The fact that it’s not that outcome that you’re talking about, the devastating outcome, is really good news.”
General manager Joe Schoen even told ESPN on the sideline during the game that Dart was going to be “OK,” though Harbaugh was not willing to offer any information. ESPN also reported that the Giants’ medical staff had to take Dart’s jersey away from him, suggesting that he was trying to force his way back into the game.
Backup Jameis Winston struggled mightily in relief of Dart, completing 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and an interception. Third-stringer Jake Haener would be elevated from the practice squad if New York’s No. 1 is unable to go for Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans.
Monday night’s loss could have been all the more damaging after star receiver Malik Nabers suffered a shoulder injury in the first quarter and was in considerable pain on the sideline. He told reporters after the game that he popped it back into place on the sideline and was able to return.
For more on Jaxson Dart and the Giants, visit AMNY.com
