Giants QB Jaxson Dart to Have Knee Surgery, Done for 2026
The short version
- Jaxson Dart will have knee surgery and miss the rest of the 2026 season.
- The injury happened on the opening drive of a 28-6 loss to the Rams; the ACL is intact.
- Jameis Winston, signed to a two-year extension this month, starts Sunday vs. Tennessee.
- Doctors project a full recovery for the 23-year-old quarterback.
New York's second-year quarterback will sit out the rest of the season, though doctors expect him to make a full recovery.
Jaxson Dart's season has come to an early end. According to NFL Network reporters Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the New York Giants quarterback is set for a knee operation that will sideline him for the remainder of 2026, though physicians anticipate a complete recovery.
The injury occurred on the game's first possession of Monday night's 28-6 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams. As Dart threw on third down, Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart converged on him, and his left knee gave way during the tackle. He was able to leave the field without assistance.
An initial diagnosis pointed to an MCL sprain that might have cost him only a handful of weeks, but Tuesday's MRI revealed more extensive damage. Dart spent two days gathering additional medical opinions before the choice to operate was made. The ACL was not harmed in the injury.
The 23-year-old had opened the year strong, going 23 of 29 for 230 yards and three touchdowns in a Week 1 victory over Dallas — the first meaningful success of the John Harbaugh era in New York. In his place, Jameis Winston will start Sunday's matchup with the Tennessee Titans. Winston signed a two-year contract extension with the club earlier in September.
