The New York Giants’ opening possession in their 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams ended with a worrying injury to quarterback Jaxson Dart. On the last play of the drive, Dart suffered a knee injury that sources via ESPN/NFL Media believe is likely a sprained MCL.
Initial testing at SoFi Stadium — including X-rays — showed no fractures, and the team expects he will miss some time but not suffer a long-term injury. Dart is scheduled to have an MRI on Tuesday for a more thorough evaluation.
The play in question came on third down when Dart was hit by Rams defenders Josaiah Stewart and Byron Young while releasing a deep throw; his left knee bent awkwardly in the air, and he went down, grabbing the joint. Trainers attended to him on the field, and he was able to walk to the sideline under his own power.
Giants medical personnel examined him in the sideline tent before bringing him back to the locker room; the team had a cart ready, but Dart ambulatoryly exited the field, albeit slowly. General manager Joe Schoen told ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge that Dart should be fine.
That drive ended with a punt after Dart went 3-of-5 for 20 yards. Jameis Winston came into the game to replace him.
Dart had been coming off a strong start to his second NFL season: he completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, producing the best passer rating of his young career and suggesting real development after his rookie year.
If Dart is sidelined for a stretch, the Giants have some cushion — Winston is an experienced and capable backup, and New York’s upcoming slate (including games against the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders over the next few weeks) is relatively favorable.
Fan Take: This matters because a young QB’s health can shape a team’s development and the broader quarterback landscape — Dart’s progress was a key storyline for the Giants. If he misses time, it gives veteran backups room to steer the season and could slow or alter the trajectory of a promising young signal-caller.
Source: www.cbssports.com
