Giants' Jaxson Dart reportedly sprains MCL, expected to miss time

The rookie quarterback left Monday's game against the Rams with a knee injury, but initial reports suggest he avoided serious damage.

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart left Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Rams on the opening drive with a knee injury. Dart was hit from both directions while throwing a third-down incompletion to Theo Johnson, and he clutched his left knee before staying down for several minutes.

Dart was able to limp off the field under his own power and, after being checked in the medical tent, declined a cart and walked to the locker room. He returned to the sideline in the second half without crutches, though with a noticeable limp.

Shortly after the game ended, Ian Rapoport reported that Dart suffered a sprained MCL and is expected to miss some time. Head coach John Harbaugh told reporters afterward that it was not a devastating outcome for the quarterback.

With Dart sidelined, veteran Jameis Winston moves into the starting role. Winston, 32, is in his 12th NFL season and started two games for the Giants last year. Wide receiver Braxton Barrios, a high school quarterback, is the emergency option, while Jake Haener could be elevated from the practice squad.

The injury also changes the offense's shape. Winston is far less mobile than Dart, putting more burden on the running game led by Cam Skattebo, and it remains to be seen whether Winston has the same chemistry with tight end Isaiah Likely that Dart showed early this season.