Giants QB Jaxson Dart faces multiple recovery timelines, none favorable
The short version
- Jaxson Dart suffered a significant knee injury on Monday Night Football
- Garafolo says it is not a torn ACL, but one timeline on the table is season-ending
- Evaluations revealed more knee damage than initially expected
- Dart could attempt rehab for a late-season return, but surgery may end his season
- Jameis Winston is in line to start if Dart misses extended time
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that several recovery paths exist for Jaxson Dart's knee injury, including one that would end his season.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is facing an extended absence after suffering a significant knee injury during Monday Night Football, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Garafolo reported that medical evaluations and consultations are ongoing and that multiple recovery timelines are under consideration, one of which would end Dart's season.
Garafolo noted the injury is not a torn ACL but is still serious. While initial optimism followed the injury, subsequent evaluations revealed more damage to the knee than first expected, raising the possibility that Dart could miss most or all of the 2026 season.
The specifics of the injury have not been disclosed. One path would involve rehabilitation in an attempt to return late in the season, an approach Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has taken with his own injury, though it carries risk. Surgery remains a possibility and would likely end Dart's season.
Dart appears headed for injured reserve, with the length of his absence still to be determined. If he misses extended time, Jameis Winston would be in line to serve as the Giants' quarterback for much of the remainder of the season.
