Jaxson Dart will miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after suffering a knee injury in the New York Giants’ game against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. An MRI revealed damage to his medial collateral ligament, posterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, according to a report by NFL Network.
The 23-year-old quarterback was hurt on the first drive when his left leg bent awkwardly as he was hit by two defenders. Coach John Harbaugh initially said the injury appeared to be in the neighborhood of a medial collateral ligament injury, but he told reporters on Tuesday that the evaluation process for Dart was still ongoing.
Dart’s First Season With the Giants
Losing the 23-year-old to a long-term injury is a significant blow in Harbaugh’s first season in charge, which began with a victory against Dallas at home in Week 1.
The Giants’ offense now faces a stretch of five games against teams that have combined for just a 2-8 record. That run includes Sunday’s game against Tennessee, where Jameis Winston will take over the starting role.
Winston is 3-9 in 12 NFL starts since 2024.
Winston Steps Into the Starting Role
Winston will lead the Giants against Tennessee on Sunday.
The schedule eases slightly after that. The next five opponents have posted a combined 2-8 record, which suggests a window for Winston to settle in without facing elite defenses week after week.
But the margin for error is small. Winston has won just three of his 12 NFL starts since 2024, and the Giants will need him to perform consistently if they want to avoid a lost season.
The Practice-Squad Depth Behind Winston
Jake Haener, who played in eight games and started one for New Orleans two seasons ago, is on the practice squad and was the only other quarterback at practice during the portion open to reporters. He joined midway through training camp and stuck around over journeyman Brandon Allen.
Haener has experience at the highest level. His presence on the practice squad means the Giants have some depth, but it is thin.
For now, Winston is the man.
Injuries Across the Team
Not everyone is healthy. Edge rusher Brian Burns sprained his left ankle late in the Rams game and was not on the field. No 1 receiver Malik Nabers popped his shoulder back into place and returned Monday night.
Starting left tackle Andrew Thomas limped off with a groin injury but was participating in the unpadded session. The offensive line is fragile, and losing Thomas for an extended period would compound the problems.
The injury list includes Dart, who is out for the season. Burns is questionable, and Thomas is dealing with a groin issue.
The Schedule Ahead
Sunday’s game against Tennessee is the first test. Winston will face a defense that has not been described in detail by the source, and the Giants will hope to capitalize on that.
The next five opponents have combined for a 2-8 record. That is a favorable stretch, but it also means the Giants cannot afford to play poorly and expect wins.
The coaching staff will need to find ways to shorten the learning curve for Winston. The schedule is kind, but the competition is not.
What This Means for the Season
Dart’s absence changes the trajectory of the Giants’ season. They had a promising young quarterback who was developing into a franchise signal-caller.
Now they have a veteran with a losing record under center. The team will need Winston to improve quickly if they want to compete.
The front office will also have to consider the quarterback position beyond this season. Dart was supposed to be the future.
Key Facts Box
- Dart suffered a knee injury on the first drive of Monday’s game against the Rams
- MRI revealed damage to the medial collateral ligament, posterior cruciate ligament and meniscus
- Winston is 3-9 in 12 NFL starts since 2024
- The Giants’ next five opponents have a combined 2-8 record
- Haener is on the practice squad, Brandon Allen is the other option
Comparison Table
| Quarterback | Record | Starts | Recent Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaxson Dart | Out for season | Rookie | Knee injury |
| Jameis Winston | 3-9 | 12 since 2024 | Starting against Tennessee Sunday |
| Jake Haener | 8 games, 1 start | Practice squad | Available if needed |
The Giants have a tough road ahead. They will need Winston to step up, and they will need their remaining players to stay healthy.
Dart’s injury is a blow to the franchise. The team will have to adapt, and the season will be defined by how they respond.
The schedule is kind. The talent is thin. The stakes are high.
See the video the story is built around at Sky Sports.
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