Giants QB Jaxson Dart to miss season; Alec Pierce, Jonathon Brooks hit IR
The short version
- Jaxson Dart expected to have season-ending knee surgery; ACL intact, per reports.
- Giants turn to Jameis Winston at quarterback.
- Alec Pierce on IR with an aggravated heel injury; earliest return is Week 7.
- Jonathon Brooks on IR with a groin injury, expected out about six weeks.
Jaxson Dart is expected to undergo season-ending knee surgery, while the Colts and Panthers each placed a key playmaker on injured reserve Wednesday.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season after injuring his knee in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams. Multiple reports indicate he will need surgery, though his ACL is intact. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported damage to the MCL, PCL and meniscus, with the meniscus being the primary concern.
The Giants will move forward with Jameis Winston at quarterback while Dart begins recovering with an eye on the 2027 season. The 23-year-old was one of several notable quarterbacks hurt early this year, joining Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams and Sam Darnold on the injury list.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce was placed on injured reserve after aggravating a right heel injury during Sunday night's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The injury was to the same area he had previously had surgery on. He is eligible to return as early as the team's Week 7 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.
Colts coach Shane Steichen did not offer a firm timeline, telling the Indianapolis Star the team will monitor the situation. Josh Downs now slots in as Indianapolis's top receiving option.
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks also landed on IR after a groin injury in the Week 2 win over Atlanta. Coach Dave Canales initially called it day-to-day, but Brooks is expected to be out roughly six weeks. Chuba Hubbard takes on a larger workload, with AJ Dillon next in line, as Carolina reportedly hosted veteran Austin Ekeler for a visit Wednesday.
