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Giants' Jaxson Dart to Undergo Knee Surgery, Miss 2026 Season
Confirmed
In Short: Quarterback Jaxson Dart will undergo knee surgery that will end his 2026 season, Giants coach John Harbaugh announced on Wednesday.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart will undergo knee surgery that will end his 2026 season, Giants coach John Harbaugh announced on Wednesday. Dart suffered damage to his MCL, PCL, and meniscus during the first drive of the night in New York's Monday night matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Harbaugh left the door open for a potential postseason return, though Dart's recovery timeline is approximately six months, making it optimistic to expect him back this season.
Dart, 23, was outstanding in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, completing 79.3% of his passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns. However, his aggressive style of play has been a concern, leading to multiple concussion checks and missed games during his rookie season.
In his first game back after a head injury, Dart was hit hard during a game against the New England Patriots, raising further concerns about his durability.
Harbaugh noted that Dart could be back for the postseason if the Giants make the playoffs, but the coach declined to specify a date for the surgery, saying it was expected to happen relatively soon.
Dart's injury occurred when he was sandwiched between multiple defenders and a Rams linebacker collided with his left knee on third-and-8. He walked with a limp to the locker room before being officially ruled out early in the third quarter.
Jameis Winston, who will start in place of Dart beginning Sunday against the Titans, said, “Me and Jaxson have talked.” Harbaugh added, “I think he's determined. He's bummed. It's hard.”
The Giants expect Dart to make a full recovery and be ready for the 2027 season. Harbaugh said the team intends to add another quarterback to the mix, preferably a veteran, as they elevate Jake Haener from the practice squad to be the backup quarterback.
What's confirmed
- Quarterback Jaxson Dart will undergo knee surgery that will end his 2026 season, Giants coach John Harbaugh announced on Wednesday.
- "I think I said it. I said it. Regular season," Harbaugh said of how long Dart would be out.
What's still developing
- According to ESPN, Dart's ACL is intact, but the second-year signal-caller suffered damage to his MCL, PCL, and meniscus.
- Initially, it was thought Dart's injury was not as severe, with reports suggesting he sprained his MCL.
- Now, the 2026 season is viewed through a much different lens.
- The postseason begins in a little less than four months.
- Dart's ACL is intact, but the second-year star has damage to his meniscus and MCL that requires the surgery, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter.
- In addition to Dart, the Giants are also expected to be without standout outside linebacker Brian Burns on Sunday against the Titans, a source told Schefter.
- Dart was at the Giants' facility Wednesday, attending meetings and hanging around the locker room.
- He began his rookie season as a backup to Russell Wilson, but became New York’s starter after an 0-3 start to the season.
- Dart, 23, was the 25th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.