What Jaxson Dart injury means for Jameis Winston, Giants offense
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What Jaxson Dart injury means for Jameis Winston, Giants offense originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Giants saw their season flash before their eyes on Monday night when Jaxson Dart went down in a heap on the team's opening drive against the Rams.
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Dart, who had a stellar performance in a win over the Cowboys in Week 1, immediately grabbed at his knee before hobbling off the field.
The Giants quarterback didn't need a cart to come off the field, which was a more positive sign, but the sight was not what any New York fan wanted to see after such a promising start to the season.
Here's what to know about Dart's injury and how it impacts the Giants' offense.
MORE:Latest injury updates on Jaxson Dart
What happened to Jaxson Dart?
Dart appeared to suffer a knee injury on a third-down pass to Theo Johnson that fell incomplete. The Giants quarterback was hit by Rams defenders from both directions, and the final hit bent his leg awkwardly. Fortunately, Dart's leg wasn't planted when he was hit.
Jaxson Dart went down in pain and was clutching at his left knee after this play.
— ESPN (@espn) September 22, 2026
He was able to walk off the field on his own. pic.twitter.com/gDH8gCrkPA
Dart immediately grabbed at his knee and remained down for a handful of minutes, but he was able to limp off the field and put weight on his injured leg. After being evaluated in the medical tent, Dart declined the cart and walked back to the locker room.
If the Giants believe tests are necessary, they likely won't have a formal diagnosis on Dart's knee until at least late Monday night.
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Giants QB depth chart
RankQB1Jaxson Dart2Jameis Winston3Jake HaenerDart's backup is veteran Jameis Winston, who is now in his 12th season since being selected No. 1 overall by the Buccaneers in 2015. Winston started two games for the Giants last season and last won a start with the Browns in 2024.
If Winston goes down, the Giants' emergency No. 3 quarterback is Jake Haener; Haener cannot enter the game against the Rams unless Winston gets hurt.
What's next for Giants offense?
Whether it's a short-term or long-term absence, the Giants will have to change the way they operate without Dart.
Winston, now 32 years old, isn't nearly the mobile quarterback Dart is, forcing New York to rely more on Cam Skattebo and the rest of the running back room to gain yards on the ground and giving opposing defenses one less threat to worry about.
Even if Dart does return shortly, a hurting knee could limit his mobility.
Dart had flashed a strong early connection with Isaiah Likely. It isn't clear whether Winston has the same chemistry with Likely, who wasn't on the team last season, so the Giants will have to figure out if the former Ravens tight end can still be such a featured part of their offense.