Jaxson Dart's Knee Injury Threatens New York Giants' Season

The opening drive of the New York Giants' 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams ended in concerning fashion. Quarterback Jaxson Dart sustained a knee injury on the final play of the possession, and it could cost him the rest of the season.

The team initially feared Dart suffered a sprained MCL on the play. He underwent an MRI on Tuesday, and the imaging produced results that were worse than the team anticipated, according to ESPN/NFL Media. Dart was always expected to miss time, but the updated diagnosis now sets him up to sit for an extended period. The knee issue could even force him to miss the entire campaign.

"Evaluations are ongoing," coach John Harbaugh said following the MRI. "We haven't got any final decisions yet. We've learned a lot more. I wouldn't really want to share too much until decisions get made, and that takes more than one person. It takes everybody involved. When we know what direction we're gonna have to go or whatever it might be, we'll announce that."

Dart took a hit from Rams defenders Josaiah Stewart and Byron Young mid-throw on a third-down deep ball, and on the collision, his left knee bent awkwardly in the air. He fell to the ground and grabbed at his knee in pain while trainers rushed to assess his injury. He then walked to the sideline without assistance.

New York's medical staff evaluated Dart in the sideline medical tent before escorting him into the locker room. Dart was able to walk into the locker room under his own power, which was an early source of optimism. The team had a cart ready to transport him from the tent, but he walked slowly down the sideline instead.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen said during the game to ESPN's Laura Rutledge that Dart is "going to be OK." The additional testing on Tuesday appears to have changed the narrative inside the Giants' facility.

The Giants punted following the failed third-down conversion. Dart went 3-for-5 on the possession for 20 passing yards.

Jameis Winston entered the game in relief of Dart and projects as the starter moving forward.

Dart's second season in the NFL was off to a roaring start prior to the injury. He opened the campaign with a 23-for-29 performance in a Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys and amassed 230 passing yards and three touchdowns in the divisional victory. It was the best game of his young career by passer rating and suggested that he might be leveling up in real time following a promising rookie year.

If Dart misses less time than is feared, the Giants could be fairly well-positioned to stay afloat in his absence. Not only is Winston a capable backup with immense starting experience, but the schedule over the coming weeks is quite favorable. The Giants face the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders in Weeks 3-6.

But if New York is forced to play the rest of the season without its starter, this could be a lost year for a team that showed plenty of promise early on.