Well, so much for all of that initial optimism around Jaxson Dart on Monday night.
After returning to the sidelines with negative X-rays and New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen telling the broadcast that Jaxson Dart was “okay” following Monday night’s 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the latest injury update on New York's franchise quarterback couldn’t have been much worse.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Dart’s knee injury turned out to be “worse than anticipated” following an MRI. The 23-year-old is now expected to miss an extended period of time, with Rapoport adding that his absence could potentially last the rest of the season.
Giants’ worst fears about Jaxson Dart might have just become reality
What a gut punch.
What makes this worse is that there was a legitimate reason for optimism. Dart limped off under his own power after taking a massive hit from Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart.
Initial X-rays in the locker room were reportedly negative. He eventually returned to the sideline in street clothes, and ESPN’s Jordan Raanan even reported that the second-year quarterback was itching to get back onto the field before the medical staff shut him down.
Even the initial belief that Dart was dealing with a sprained MCL felt like relatively good news considering how ugly the hit looked and how awkwardly his leg bent. Not 24 hours later, all of that hope is gone, with the 2026 season quite possibly gone with it.
The G-Men are only two games into the season, but potentially losing Dart for the rest of it changes everything. Backup QB Jameis Winston will presumably take over under center, but his first action of 2026 didn’t exactly inspire confidence. The 32-year-old completed just 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and an interception after replacing Dart.
After an encouraging rookie season and a strong start to Year 2 against Dallas, this was supposed to be the year the former first-round pick took the next step under new head coach John Harbaugh. Instead, his season could be over after seven plays in Week 2.
There are still plenty of details to come regarding the exact nature of Dart’s injury and how long he’ll be sidelined. But “possibly the season” is about the last update anyone in East Rutherford wanted to hear Tuesday afternoon. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.
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