Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart will miss the 2026 regular season after suffering MCL, PCL and meniscus damage that requires knee surgery.
The New York Giants have lost their young quarterback for the remainder of the 2026 regular season after Jaxson Dart suffered a serious knee injury.
Dart is set to undergo surgery after tests revealed damage involving his meniscus, MCL and PCL, ending what had started as a promising season for the second-year quarterback.
The injury occurred during the Giants’ Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, when Dart was hit by two defenders on New York’s opening possession.
Jaxson Dart’s Knee Injury Requires Surgery
Dart’s injury initially appeared to be an MCL issue, but additional examinations revealed more extensive damage.
The meniscus is considered the primary concern, with Dart scheduled for a full repair. Doctors will also address the MCL and PCL during the procedure if necessary.
The Giants have confirmed that Dart will miss the rest of the regular season.
Dart Injured Against the Rams
The injury happened early in Monday night’s matchup against Los Angeles.
Dart took a high-low hit from Rams defenders Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart and immediately grabbed at his left knee.
He briefly remained on the field before eventually leaving the game.
The Giants went on to lose 28-6, with veteran quarterback Jameis Winston taking over for Dart.
Giants Turn to Jameis Winston
With Dart unavailable, Winston will take over as New York’s starting quarterback.
Winston struggled after entering against the Rams, completing 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and throwing an interception. He was also sacked twice.
The Giants now have to adjust their offensive plans around the veteran quarterback with Dart sidelined.
John Harbaugh Leaves Playoff Door Open
Giants head coach John Harbaugh has ruled Dart out for the regular season but has not completely closed the door on a potential postseason return.
Harbaugh said the timeline will depend on Dart’s recovery and cannot be predicted precisely at this stage.
Current reporting indicates a recovery timeline of roughly four to six months, although the exact timetable could depend on what is found and repaired during surgery.
Dart Had Started the Season Strong
The injury is particularly significant because Dart entered his second NFL season with considerable momentum.
In Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, he threw for 230 yards and three touchdowns while adding 54 rushing yards as the Giants won 28-20.
Dart also showed promise during his rookie season.
He finished that campaign with 2,272 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions, while adding 487 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns.
A Major Setback for New York
Dart’s absence changes the outlook for a Giants team that had hoped to build around its young quarterback.
Instead, New York must now rely on Winston while Dart begins the rehabilitation process.
The Giants have already confirmed that the offense will be tailored around Winston’s strengths as the team prepares for the games ahead.
Jaxson Dart Begins Long Road Back
Although the injury ends Dart’s regular-season campaign, reports indicate that the expectation is for him to make a full recovery.
The immediate focus will be surgery and rehabilitation, with the extent of the PCL and MCL damage playing an important role in determining his eventual return.
For the Giants, the priority is now supporting their young quarterback through the recovery while moving forward with Winston.
Dart’s 2026 season is over for the regular season, but the possibility of a postseason return remains dependent on his rehabilitation and how quickly his knee responds to treatment.
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