New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is dealing with a serious knee injury that may end his season, according to NFL Network. Dart was hurt during the opening drive of the Giants' 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2. He took a big hit from two Rams defenders and had to leave the field early in the game. Initial reports said Dart had likely sprained his MCL and X-rays showed no broken bones, with an MRI scheduled for Tuesday. However, the latest MRI results revealed that the injury was more severe than expected.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported that Dart is expected to miss an extended period. They said the injury could keep him out for the rest of the season and that surgery is considered likely. The Giants have not yet announced that Dart's season is officially over.
Dart had started the season well, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for 54 yards in Week 1 against Dallas, according to CBS Sports. He became just the third quarterback in Giants history to reach those numbers in a single game. Phil Simms accomplished the feat in 1988 and Fran Tarkenton did it in 1967 and 1968.
The injury has raised concerns about Dart’s ability to stay healthy for the rest of the season. Dart has been examined in a medical tent during 44% of his NFL starts when preseason games are included, according to CBS Sports Research. His previous six visits were for concussion evaluations before this knee injury occurred.
Dart missed two games with a concussion during his rookie season in 2025. He still finished that season with 2,272 passing yards and 15 touchdown passes. He also rushed for 487 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Giants will now turn to Jameis Winston while Dart is sidelined. Winston, who was drafted first overall in 2015, has spent much of the latter part of his career in backup and spot-starting roles.
Winston replaced Dart against the Rams and completed 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards. He did not throw a touchdown and was intercepted once. The Giants managed only two field goals in the 28-6 loss.
The Giants have not yet confirmed if Dart will miss the rest of the season. Initial optimism faded after the MRI showed a more serious injury than first believed.
Fans took to social media to express frustration over the injury, with some jokingly blaming President Donald Trump for a so-called 'curse', Yahoo Sports reported. One fan said the 'Trump curse strikes again' after Dart’s injury. The comments were social-media jokes and there is no evidence connecting Trump to Dart's injury.
The team's recent history with quarterback injuries has been difficult to watch. Since drafting Daniel Jones in 2019, the Giants have seen their starting quarterbacks miss significant time due to injury. Jones dealt with ankle, neck and knee injuries during his six seasons with New York and was benched before being released in 2024. Dart’s injury adds to the long list of setbacks for the franchise since Eli Manning's final season.
Dart himself missed two games because of a concussion during his rookie season. He nevertheless established himself as New York's starting quarterback and entered his second season with high expectations.
The Giants are now in a tough spot as they try to rebuild their offense without their young quarterback. With Dart possibly out for the season, Winston will have to step up and lead the team.
Winston has significant starting experience. He started seven games for the Cleveland Browns during the 2024 season. He also made two starts for the Giants in 2025.
Winston has played in more than 100 NFL games since Tampa Bay selected him with the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent five seasons with the Buccaneers before playing for the New Orleans Saints, Browns and Giants.
The team's hopes for this season may now depend on Winston’s ability to handle the pressure. Giants fans are left wondering how the rest of the year will unfold without Dart in the lineup.
The timing of the injury is especially difficult because New York had opened the season with a 28-20 victory over Dallas. Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns in that game. He did not throw an interception.
Against Los Angeles, Dart completed three of five passes for 20 yards before leaving. Rams defenders Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart converged on Dart as he attempted a pass. His left knee bent awkwardly during the play.
Dart walked to the sideline and entered the medical tent before going to the locker room. He later returned to the sideline in street clothes. General manager Joe Schoen initially indicated during the broadcast that Dart was expected to be OK. The MRI the following day changed the outlook.
The team’s season has taken a major hit with this latest injury. Dart’s potential absence leaves the Giants in a difficult position as they try to compete for a playoff spot. The team will have to rely on Winston and their other players to carry the load.
This injury marks another chapter in a long string of challenges for the franchise. The Giants’ hopes for a strong finish to the season may now be on hold.