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

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is expected to undergo season-ending knee surgery following a severe injury sustained during a 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. While his ACL is intact, damage to his MCL, PCL, and meniscus necessitates the procedure. Backup Jameis Winston, who struggled in relief, is now set to start for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Key points
- Jaxson Dart is expected to undergo knee surgery that will end his 2026 season, according to NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
- The injury, sustained during the Giants' 28-6 loss to the Rams, involves damage to the left MCL, PCL, and meniscus, with the meniscus being the primary issue, per ESPN.
- Dart's ACL is intact, but the severity of the other injuries requires surgical intervention, as reported by NFL Network.
- Jameis Winston, who went 11 of 27 for 111 yards and an interception in relief, is now the starting quarterback for the Giants.
- Dart, the No. 25 overall pick in last year's draft, had a strong Week 1 performance against the Cowboys before the injury occurred.
Background
Dart's injury occurred during the Giants' 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. Initial reports suggested a minor MCL sprain, but further MRI results revealed a more severe condition. The Giants had recently signed Winston to a two-year extension. The team is now exploring trade and free-agent options, including Jimmy Garoppolo, Andy Dalton, and Tua Tagovailoa, to address the quarterback position.
How outlets are covering it
NFL Network and ESPN both confirm that Dart is expected to undergo season-ending surgery. NFL Network emphasizes that the ACL is intact but surgery is still required, while ESPN specifies the damage to the MCL, PCL, and meniscus. NBC Sports notes that Dart has been seeking opinions on the injury, and the Giants are now facing a quarterback crisis with Winston struggling in relief. The outlets agree on the severity of the injury and the impact on the Giants' season.
Why it matters
The injury to Jaxson Dart significantly impacts the New York Giants' 2026 season, forcing them to rely on Jameis Winston, who struggled in his relief appearance. The team is now exploring options to strengthen their quarterback position, which could affect their overall performance and playoff chances.
What to watch
Jaxson Dart is expected to undergo knee surgery, which will end his 2026 season. Jameis Winston is set to start for the Giants in the upcoming games. The Giants are exploring trade and free-agent options to address the quarterback position, including Jimmy Garoppolo, Andy Dalton, and Tua Tagovailoa.
- Jaxson Dart is "expected" to have season-ending knee surgery NBC Sports
- Sources: Jaxson Dart to have season-ending knee surgery ESPN
- NFL Network: Giants QB Jaxson Dart expected to undergo season-ending knee surgery NFL.com
- John Harbaugh gets another chance to consider Colin Kaepernick NBC Sports
- Giants QB Jaxson Dart could miss rest of season with knee injury: Source - The Athletic nytimes.com
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