New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart will undergo surgery on his left knee and miss the remainder of the 2026 regular season, head coach John Harbaugh announced Wednesday, Sept. 23, ESPN (opens in new tab) reported. Harbaugh did not rule out a playoff return if New York qualifies, saying recovery timelines cannot be pinned precisely yet.
Dart, 23, was hurt on the Giants’ opening drive Monday night in a 28–6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Imaging showed his ACL intact but damage to the meniscus and MCL requiring surgery, with PCL damage also reported by ESPN (opens in new tab)’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Sources told those reporters recovery is expected to take about six months, with a full recovery targeted for the 2027 season.
Initial Monday assessments had suggested a sprained MCL and a less severe outcome; further testing Tuesday after the team returned to New Jersey showed more damage, Reuters/Field Level Media and ESPN (opens in new tab) said. Jameis Winston will start Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Harbaugh said the club intends to add another quarterback, exploring free agency, practice-squad signings, or trades.
Outside linebacker Brian Burns is also expected to miss time with a low ankle sprain that does not require surgery, per Schefter. Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns in a Week 1 win over Dallas before the injury.