Contrary to earlier reports, the New York Giants may not have dodged a bullet with Jaxson Dart’s knee injury.
Dart left the first quarter of Monday night’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams after taking a hard hit to the knee. Post-game reports indicated he avoided the worst-case scenario with an MCL sprain that would have cost him some time.
However, it now appears the second-year quarterback could be sidelined much longer. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo said Tuesday that an MRI showed more damage than initially anticipated. Dart may now miss significant time, potentially requiring a season-ending surgery.
It’s a devastating blow for Dart and the Giants, who began the John Harbaugh era with an emphatic Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys. They’ll now turn to Jameis Winston after appearing to lose the 2025 first-round pick indefinitely.
Fans react to Dart injury
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NFL fans were gutted for Dart and the Giants after learning the bad news on Tuesday afternoon.
“Oh no. This is terrible,” 7News DC’s Scott Abraham said.
“Heartbreaking for Giants fans,” NFL reporter Easton Freeze wrote. “Hate hate hate.”
“Man, that stinks,” New York Jets podcaster Matt O’Leary said. “Thought it was a good sign he was back on the sideline last night.”
“Giants could be cursed,” content creator Cameron Magruder mused.
“I just can’t believe it man,” a fan wrote. “Best the team has looked in years and it’s all wiped away.”
John Harbaugh comments on Dart
Harbaugh didn’t confirm specifics about Dart’s injury when speaking to reporters shortly after reports that the 23-year-old could miss the rest of the season.
“Right now, evaluations are ongoing,” Harbaugh said, per SNY Giants. “We haven’t got any final decisions yet. We’ve learned a lot more. I wouldn’t want to share too much until decisions get made.”
Harbaugh experienced some injuries under center with the Baltimore Ravens, who played four games without Lamar Jackson. He acknowledged that his job is much different without his starting quarterback.
“I think that’s a pretty self-evident answer, isn’t it? It’s an important position, obviously,” Harbaugh told a reporter. “That’s a pretty obvious answer.”
Harbaugh has “absolute faith” in Winston and all of his players, but the Giants will face a colossal test if Dart is out for the season.
