New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart will miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after suffering structural damage to his knee during a Monday night game against the Los Angeles Rams, according to reports from ESPN and NFL Network.
The second-year signal-caller sustained the injury on the opening drive of the Week 2 matchup after releasing an incomplete pass while absorbing a hit from multiple defenders. Although initial evaluations in the medical tent suggested a less severe MCL sprain, subsequent MRI testing revealed damage to the meniscus, medial collateral ligament, and posterior cruciate ligament, with the meniscus injury representing the primary surgical concern.
## Season-Ending Surgery and Recovery Timeline
According to NFL Network, Dart is scheduled to undergo season-ending knee surgery with an ultimate expectation of a full recovery. Medical examinations confirmed that his anterior cruciate ligament remains intact.
The setback halts a promising trajectory for Dart, who entered his second professional campaign as the team’s full-time starter under head coach John Harbaugh. Selected 25th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Dart started 12 games during his rookie season. He opened the 2026 slate with a strong performance in a victory over the Dallas Cowboys, completing 79.3 percent of his passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns.
## Impact on the Giants Offense and Jameis Winston
With Dart sidelined, the Giants offense pivots to veteran backup Jameis Winston. Winston stepped in under duress following Monday’s injury, completing 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and one interception in the loss to the Rams.
The shift alters the competitive outlook for New York as the team prepares for a stretch of upcoming games. Over the next month and a half, the Giants face the Tennessee Titans in Week 3 and the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4. They travel to Washington in Week 5 to face the Commanders—who also navigate a quarterback transition after losing starter Jayden Daniels—followed by a home matchup against the New Orleans Saints and an away game against the Houston Texans before a Week 7 bye.
## Early Career Injury History
This development marks a second season that physical setbacks have interrupted Dart’s progress at the professional level. During his rookie campaign, he missed two games due to a concussion before returning to action. The latest knee injury concludes his sophomore season, leaving the Giants to navigate the remainder of the year with Winston leading the offense.
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