Monday night wasn’t a pleasant viewing experience for Eli Manning and New York Giants fans.
Several key players went down during a 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. The most concern stems from Jaxson Dart, who left in the first quarter after taking a hit to his left knee.
ESPN2 viewers watched Eli and Peyton Manning react to the injury live on their ManningCast. Both former quarterbacks were unsettled by the scene.
“Oh no,” Peyton said. “No no no no no. That is not what he want to see. Gosh.”
Eli winced in discomfort while silently watching the replay. The former Giants quarterback took a while before finding his words.
“He gets high-lowed a little bit, Peyton,” Eli said. “Tough to watch. Hate to see that. Hope he’s OK.”
More on Dart’s injury
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Dart at least appears to have avoided the worst-case scenario. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the Giants believe he suffered an MCL sprain.
The 23-year-old will undergo an MRI on Tuesday, and he’s expected to miss some time. Yet Giants head coach John Harbaugh was still relieved that Dart isn’t dealing with a potentially season-ending setback.
“There’s no question,” Harbaugh said after the game, per Giants.com’s Dan Salomone. “The fact that it’s not that outcome that you’re talking about, the devastating outcome, is really good news.”
The injury is still brutal timing for Dart, who began his second season with a massive statement. Buzz quickly built around Big Blue after Dart led the Giants to a 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys with 230 passing yards, 54 rushing yards, and three touchdowns.
Those positive feelings quickly evaporated when Dart got knocked out of Monday night’s game. In his place, Jameis Winston completed 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and an interception.
Making matters worse, three other Giants stars ended the evening with injury concerns. Wide receiver Malik Nabers returned after leaving with a shoulder injury, but left tackle Andrew Thomas and pass rusher Brian Burns both exited in the fourth quarter.
The Giants will hope to receive some good news about their top players before a Week 3 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
