Jaxson Dart’s Knee Injury Worse Than Initially Expected as Giants Await Final Decision

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart could face a lengthy absence after further testing revealed that his left knee injury may be more serious than initially believed.

Dart was injured during the Giants’ 28–6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on September 21, 2026. The second-year quarterback was hit by Rams defenders Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart during New York’s opening offensive drive, causing his left knee to buckle. He immediately grabbed the knee before leaving the field and was later ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Initial evaluations suggested Dart had suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament, or MCL. Early reports indicated that the injury might keep him out for several games, but there was initially some optimism that he had avoided a more serious injury.

That outlook changed after Dart underwent additional testing, including an MRI, following the team’s return from Los Angeles. Reports from ESPN and other outlets indicated that the injury could be significantly more serious than the original MCL diagnosis and that surgery may ultimately be required.

If surgery is ultimately recommended, Dart could potentially miss the remainder of the 2026 season. However, that outcome has not been confirmed. The Giants have not announced a final diagnosis or treatment plan.

Head coach John Harbaugh emphasized Tuesday that the medical evaluation was still underway. He said the team had “learned a lot more” but had not made any final decisions about which direction to take with Dart’s treatment.

Harbaugh also declined to speculate about whether Dart would miss the entire season, stressing that the decision involves the medical team and others involved in the quarterback’s care. The Giants have therefore not officially ruled Dart out for any specific length of time.

Dart’s injury comes early in his second NFL season. The 23-year-old quarterback started the 2026 campaign with a strong performance in the Giants’ season-opening victory over the Dallas Cowboys before being forced out of Monday night’s game against Los Angeles.

Jameis Winston took over at quarterback against the Rams and completed 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and an interception. Harbaugh expressed confidence in Winston and the rest of the Giants’ quarterback room while Dart’s status is determined.

For now, the Giants are preparing for multiple possibilities. Dart could miss significant time, and surgery remains a possibility, but there is no final confirmation that he will undergo surgery or miss the entire 2026 season. The team is expected to provide more information once the ongoing medical evaluation is complete.

Source: Fox News