Giants' Jaxson Dart Tried to Reenter Game With Knee Injury, Jersey Reportedly Taken

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart attempted to re-enter Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Rams despite a knee injury suffered in the first quarter, according to reports. ESPN indicated that team personnel prevented Dart from returning to play, reportedly going as far as to take his jersey.

Dart sustained the injury seven snaps into the second game of the 2026 season when he was hit twice by Rams defenders on a pass intended for Theo Johnson. The quarterback's knee bent awkwardly, and he was seen in pain before leaving the field and heading to the locker room. He later returned to the sideline in street clothes.

The Giants have not confirmed reports that Dart sprained his MCL. Coach John Harbaugh stated, "That's in the neighborhood of it, I would say. We'll get an MRI (on Tuesday) and have a real good feel for it, and give you more information from there."

If Dart misses significant time, potentially four weeks, he would be sidelined for upcoming games against the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders, and New Orleans Saints. The team also saw other players, including Malik Nabers and Brian Burns, sustain injuries during the game.

Jameis Winston, who entered the game after Dart's injury, struggled, contributing to the Giants' loss. The Rams' Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes, two of which were to Davante Adams, who finished with eight catches for 195 yards. Winston acknowledged the impact of a quarterback injury, stating, "Any time your quarterback goes down, obviously that's a gut punch to the team, right?"

Harbaugh emphasized the need for the team to move forward without dwelling on injuries. The team faced additional challenges during the game, including injuries to other key players like Malik Nabers and Brian Burns. If Dart is indeed out for an extended period, it could present a significant challenge for the Giants as they navigate their upcoming schedule. The team's ability to recover mentally and perform will be crucial in these potentially winnable matchups.