Giants QB Jaxson Dart to Undergo Season Ending Knee Surgery

Jaxson Dart’s Injury Ends Breakout Start to 2026 Season

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart will undergo season ending surgery on his left knee after further medical evaluations revealed multiple injuries. Dart’s ACL remains intact, but the second year quarterback suffered damage to his meniscus and MCL that will require surgery. He also has damage to his PCL, according to sources who spoke with Schefter. The Giants expect Dart to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of the 2027 season.

Injury More Serious Than Initially Expected

The Giants initially hoped Dart had avoided a long-term injury after he was hurt during Monday night’s 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach John Harbaugh said after the game that the team appeared to have avoided what he described as a “disastrous outcome.”

However, Dart continued to undergo medical evaluations Tuesday as the Giants sought additional opinions regarding the severity of the injury. After exhausting their options and consulting with multiple medical professionals, the Giants and Dart elected to proceed with surgery.

Dart suffered the injury on New York’s seventh snap of Monday night’s game. Rams linebacker Byron Young hit Dart from the right side, sending the quarterback into linebacker Josaiah Stewart, whose contact undercut Dart’s legs. Dart landed hard and immediately grabbed his left knee. The 23-year-old quarterback went to the blue medical tent before limping to the locker room. He was officially ruled out early in the third quarter.

Giants Turn to Jameis Winston

With Dart now expected to miss the remainder of the season, the Giants will turn to veteran quarterback Jameis Winston as their new starter. Harbaugh expressed confidence Tuesday that Winston can handle the job as New York’s long term replacement under center.

Winston struggled after taking over against the Rams, completing just 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and an interception. The Giants also have quarterback Jake Haener on their practice squad as additional depth. The Giants enter the season at 1-1 after opening the year with a victory over the Dallas Cowboys before falling to Los Angeles.

Dart Had Emerged as a Key Piece for New York

Dart had shown significant promise since entering the NFL and appeared to be taking a major step forward in his second season. He was outstanding in New York’s season opening victory over Dallas, completing 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns while adding 54 rushing yards.

His season ending injury is a major setback for a Giants team that had hoped to build around the young quarterback. Instead, New York will move forward with Winston while Dart begins the rehabilitation process with the goal of returning for the 2027 season.