Giants QB Jaxson Dart Out for Season After Left Knee Surgery

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart will undergo season-ending surgery on his left knee following an injury sustained during Monday night's 28–6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, according to reports from NFL Network and ESPN on Wednesday. Dart was injured on the first drive of the game when Rams linebacker Byron Young hit him from the right side, driving him into linebacker Josaiah Stewart, whose leg undercut Dart's legs. Dart immediately grabbed his left knee and was examined in the medical tent before walking with a limp to the locker room.

Initial assessments suggested a sprained medial collateral ligament, but further medical evaluation revealed more extensive damage. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter, Dart suffered damage to his meniscus, MCL (medial collateral ligament), and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament). His ACL remains intact. The Giants and Dart, after seeking additional medical opinions, elected to proceed with surgery. The team expects him to make a full recovery and be ready for the 2027 season.

Dart, the No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, had an impressive Week 1 performance, completing 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 54 yards in a victory over the Dallas Cowboys. On Monday, he completed 3 of 5 passes for 20 yards before the injury ended his evening.

Jameis Winston, an 11-year veteran who has played for Tampa Bay, New Orleans, and Cleveland, replaced Dart at quarterback. Winston completed 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and an interception in the loss. Winston had started two games and appeared in three for the Giants in 2025, posting a 3–9 record in 12 starts since 2024. The Giants' next five opponents have a combined record of 2–8, providing a potentially favorable schedule as they navigate the remainder of the season without their starting quarterback.

Coach John Harbaugh declined to comment on Tuesday after the severity of the injury became apparent, though he had initially stated Monday that the team likely avoided "a disastrous outcome." The injury represents a significant setback in Harbaugh's first season in charge of the Giants, who opened the season with optimism following their Week 1 victory.