New York – The New York Giants confirmed that starting quarterback Jaxson Dart will undergo knee surgery, ending his participation in the 2026 NFL season. Multiple sources, corroborated by OutKick, reported that Dart suffered a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) and a torn meniscus after a hard hit early in the Monday Night Football matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. He also sprained his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), but doctors said the ACL remains intact.
Medical assessment and recovery timeline
Giants medical staff consulted several specialists over the past couple of days to explore non‑surgical options. Ultimately, the consensus was that surgery is required to properly address the MCL and meniscus injuries. The projected recovery period is six to nine months, which effectively rules Dart out for the rest of the season.
Impact on the Giants’ season
The loss of their starting quarterback is a major setback for a team that was already navigating a challenging schedule. While the Giants boast a talented roster and a respected coaching staff led by John Harbaugh, losing Dart dramatically reduces their chances of competing for a playoff spot.
Veteran quarterback Jameis Winston will assume the starting role for the remaining 15 regular‑season games. Winston has a career record of 36‑53 in 89 starts and was 0‑2 in the games he started for the Giants last season when filling in for an injured Dart.
Potential alternatives
League sources indicate the Giants have discussed other quarterback options internally, but the likelihood of acquiring a proven starter via trade appears minimal at this stage of the season. The team will focus on developing Winston and evaluating any backup talent on the roster.
Looking ahead
Despite the setback, the Giants organization remains optimistic about the future. The coaching staff plans to use the remaining games to assess younger players and refine the offensive scheme, positioning the team for a stronger comeback next year when Dart returns from rehab.
Fans are encouraged to stay supportive of the team and its players as they navigate this challenging stretch. The Giants’ next game will be announced on the official team website and local sports networks.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
