Giants QB Jaxson Dart wanted to play through knee injury before doctors ruled him out

Cam Skattebo said Dart lobbied to return after leaving Monday's loss to the Rams with an MCL injury, but team doctors made the call.

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart attempted to return to Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Rams after injuring his knee, but the team's medical staff would not allow it. Running back Cam Skattebo relayed that message to reporters following the Giants' 28-6 defeat at SoFi Stadium.

"He told me he wanted to get back out there and the doctors kind of told him no," Skattebo said, adding that he left the specifics of the injury to Dart and the medical staff. He also expressed optimism, saying he believes his quarterback will be fine in the coming weeks.

Dart was hurt on the game's opening drive when he was hit by Rams linebackers Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart after an incompletion intended for Theo Johnson. He grabbed his left knee, was checked in the medical tent, and walked to the locker room under his own power before being ruled out early in the third quarter.

Initial tests showed negative X-rays, and NFL Network reported Dart is believed to have sprained his MCL. He is expected to miss time and will have an MRI on Tuesday. General manager Joe Schoen told ESPN the quarterback is "going to be OK," while head coach John Harbaugh said the suspected diagnosis was close but awaited confirmation.

Backup Jameis Winston struggled in relief, completing 4 of 12 passes for 58 yards and an interception in the first half as New York failed to reach the end zone. The Giants, now 1-1, host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.