Evan Barnes: Why Jaxson Dart's knee injury vs. the Rams could spell trouble for the Giants' season
Jaxson Dart of the Giants lays on the ground after being tackled by Byron Young of the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter of the game at SoFi Stadium on Monday in Inglewood, Calif. Credit: Getty Images/Harry How
Do you remember? The 21st night of September? Unlike Earth Wind and Fire, the Giants would love to forget it.
Monday saw the Giants leave Los Angeles carved up like a horror movie. The worst part of the 28-6 loss to the Rams was Jaxson Dart hurt on the game’s seventh play.
Dart held his left knee on the SoFi Stadium turf after being crunched by two Rams defenders. He limped off the field and each step added more concern how this promising Giants season could be derailed.
Coach John Harbaugh told reporters postgame that Dart’s injury was in the neighborhood of a sprained MCL according to a report from NFL Network. The Giants (1-1) will know more Tuesday.
“The fact that it’s not that outcome that you’re talking about, the devastating outcome, is really good news,” Harbaugh said.
It’s a mild relief, just like seeing Dart return to the sideline in street clothes during the third quarter. But he wasn’t the only Giants starter banged up.
Left tackle Andrew Thomas (groin) exited in the fourth quarter. All-Pro linebacker Brian Burns suffered a low ankle sprain, according to Harbaugh, after being helped off the field in the fourth.
That’s three of the Giants’ best and most important players who didn’t exit on their own terms. It could’ve been worse with receiver Malik Nabers injuring his shoulder in the first quarter but he returned to finish the game.
Nabers said postgame his shoulder popped out and he had to pop it back in. If only it was that easy to fix Dart.
Before the year, the hope was Dart could stay healthy after his frequent concussion checks last season. This time, he wasn’t hurt because of a reckless decision. Rams linebacker Byron Young beat right tackle Jermaine Elumeunor and hit Dart just as linebacker Josaiah Stewart hit him low.
That play now could affect where the Giants season goes. And it starts with worrying about this offense.
Jameis Winston, who finished 11-for-27 for 111 yards, short-armed several passes, including his interception to Trent McDuffie that was intended for Nabers. Winston also was off-target with his deep ball. As a result, the Rams held the Giants to just 52 rushing yards, snapping a streak of 10 games with at least 100.
The offensive line faltered against the Rams’ defensive front. Winston was under constant pressure which didn’t help his already bad accuracy.
But that paled to the defense’s regression. With cornerback Deonte Banks out (calf), rookie Colton Hood made his first NFL start. He got welcomed to the league by Davante Adams wearing him and the secondary out.
The 13-year veteran receiver finished with 195 yards and two touchdowns on eight catches. The Giants’ pass rush didn’t affect reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford, who carved them up for 327 yards and four touchdowns despite All-Pro receiver Puka Nucua being hurt.
The Rams had 163 rushing yards on 5.8 yards per carry. It stirred up ghosts of the Giants’ poor run defense the last two seasons after a better effort in Week One.
Burns being hurt makes it worse. His toughness has been lauded since he arrived in 2024 and that will be tested if he has to miss time. “It eases my mind to know that it ain’t nothing serious,” Burns told reporters.
You can’t blame Dart’s injury for a pitiful defensive performance. All Dart could do was watch stone-faced and wonder how long he, along with Burns and Thomas, have to remain sidelined.
There’s no more dancing in September. Just nervous shuffling as the joy from a week ago is replaced by worrying about Dart’s left knee and how bad things can get until his return.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
