Is Jaxson Dart's injury worse than Giants initially thought? John Harbaugh won't say as team continues to evaluate.
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on September 21, 2026. Credit: Getty Images/Harry How
The early reports on Jaxson Dart’s left knee injury seemed optimistic Monday night. Giants general manager Joe Schoen told ESPN’s Laura Rutledge that he was going to be OK.
That may have turned out to be premature. According to multiple reports, Dart’s injury was worse than feared after undergoing an MRI and he could face the possibility of season-ending surgery.
Coach John Harbaugh was more cautious Tuesday, saying that evaluations are ongoing and no final decisions have been made on Dart’s future.
“I wouldn’t really want to share too much until decisions get made. That takes more than one person,” Harbaugh said Tuesday on a Zoom call. “Takes everybody involved. So when we know what direction we’re going to have to go or whatever it might be, we’ll announce that. But we don’t have that yet so I don’t want to get out over our skis on that."
It’s still a devastating blow for Dart’s second season. He was hurt on the Giants’ seventh play during their loss at the Rams after being hit by two Rams defenders. He walked off on his power after grabbing his left knee but had a clear limp as he moved.
With Dart out, Harbaugh’s first season gets more challenging after the optimism that came with his hiring. Things seemed optimistic after Dart threw for three touchdowns in the Giants' season-opening win over Cowboys.
But for the second straight season, the Giants have to deal with losing a promising second-year centerpiece for significant time. Last year, the Giants lost receiver Malik Nabers in Week 4 to a season-ending Achilles injury.
Dart's injury means the team will turn to Jameis Winston at quarterback. The Giants host the Titans on Sunday but a promising season took a turn south as they await a final decision on Dart's future this season.
"We just gotta prepare for the range of possibilities and then when once we know where we're at, make a plan going forward,” Harbaugh said.
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.
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