Surgeon: Playoff Return Possible for Giants QB Jaxson Dart
A foot and ankle surgeon said a return for the New York Giants' star quarterback is not impossible should the team make the postseason.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart could potentially return for the playoffs following surgery to repair his left knee, according to a surgeon familiar with the injury. Dr. Drew Burdi, a foot and ankle surgeon, stated that a playoff return for Dart is within the realm of possibility if the Giants qualify for the postseason.
Dart underwent surgery on September 25 to address damage to his meniscus, MCL, and PCL. The estimated recovery time for such injuries is typically four to six months. This timeline places a potential return around late January, aligning with the NFL's Divisional Round of the playoffs.
"He's a good player. So, I don't know if they'll rush him back. But it could I mean in in some world yeah he could potentially come back," Burdi told OutKick. However, Burdi also cautioned against rushing Dart back too soon, emphasizing the potential risk to his career. "I think in his situation, they'll probably hold him out. I don't think it's worth risking his career because I mean, you got guys like (Robert Griffin III) and people that have had these injuries in the past and it's just not worth it, I think, for one season. Because if they let him heal, he's a huge investment for them potentially come back," he added.
Giants head coach John Harbaugh had initially stated that Dart would miss the regular season, leaving the door open for a playoff appearance. However, Harbaugh also tempered expectations for an immediate return after the surgery. "I think he tweeted out he's going to be back for the playoffs. Did he put that out there? Maybe he just texted me that. Maybe that's a little ambitious," Harbaugh said on October 1.
Dart's potential return hinges on the Giants' ability to secure a playoff spot. The team currently leads the NFC East with a 3-1-1 record. The division has shown weakness, with the Philadelphia Eagles struggling at 2-3 and the Dallas Cowboys also at 2-3. The Washington Commanders are 1-3-1.
Despite Dart's absence, the Giants have managed to stay competitive, holding a 2-0-1 record in games without him. Their next game is scheduled for Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.