Giants QB Jaxson Dart to undergo season-ending knee surgery after Rams hit

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart will have season-ending surgery on his left knee after suffering MCL, PCL, and meniscus damage in Monday's 28–6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The Giants expect his full recovery for the 2027 season, with veteran Jameis Winston assuming the starting role for the remainder of 2026.

Quick Facts

Dart injured on opening drive of game
Dart hit by Byron Young, sent into Josaiah Stewart
Dart's left leg bent awkwardly
Dart walked to sideline, then to locker room
MRI revealed MCL, PCL, and meniscus damage

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New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart will undergo season-ending surgery on his left knee after sustaining ligament and cartilage damage in Monday night's 28–6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The injury occurred on the seventh play of the game during the Giants' opening drive when Rams linebacker Byron Young hit Dart from his right side, sending him into linebacker Josaiah Stewart, whose leg undercut Dart's knee. Dart immediately grabbed at his left knee and walked with a limp to the locker room for evaluation.

Medical imaging revealed damage to Dart's MCL (medial collateral ligament), PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), and meniscus. Notably, his ACL remains intact. The Giants initially expressed optimism after Monday's game, with coach John Harbaugh saying the team likely avoided "a disastrous outcome." However, after further medical evaluation and seeking additional opinions, the team and Dart determined surgery was necessary. Harbaugh declined to comment further once the full severity of the injury became clear.

The Giants expect Dart, 23, to make a full recovery and be ready for the 2027 season. He was the No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and showed promise as a rookie, appearing in 12 games. This season, Dart had an impressive Week 1 performance against Dallas, completing 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 54 yards. His injury came in Week 2 after he had completed 3 of 5 passes for 20 yards.

Jameis Winston, an 11-year veteran drafted first overall in 2015, takes over as starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2026 season. Winston appeared in three games for the Giants in 2025, throwing for 567 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. In relief on Monday, he completed 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and one interception. The Giants also have quarterback Jake Haener on their practice squad as a backup option.

The Giants' injury troubles extend beyond Dart. Wide receiver Malik Nabers, a third-year player who recently returned from a torn ACL, also left the game with a right shoulder injury in the second quarter but returned later in the game. The team's record fell to 1–1 with the loss.

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#season-ending surgery #PCL #Los Angeles Rams #Jameis Winston #NFL #MCL #season-ending #meniscus #New York Giants #Giants

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Why This Matters

Dart's season-ending surgery removes the Giants' starting quarterback for the remainder of 2026, forcing a transition to veteran Jameis Winston with only limited game experience (3 appearances, 567 passing yards in 2025). The injury affects the Giants' offensive performance (1–1 record after Monday's 28–6 loss), playoff positioning, and quarterback continuity through the season; recovery is projected for 2027. The team's receiving corps also faces uncertainty with Malik Nabers sidelined by a shoulder injury sustained the same game.

Timeline & Sources

Sep 22, 2026

Wire

Game ends: Rams defeat Giants 28-6; Jameis Winston completes 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards, 1 interception in relief

Sep 22, 2026

Wire

Initial optimism from Harbaugh about injury severity

Sep 23, 2026

Wire

Giants organization confirms surgery decision after seeking additional medical opinions

Sep 27, 2026

Wire

Giants scheduled to host Tennessee Titans (Week 3) at MetLife Stadium

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