How the 2026 Giants Star Quarterback’s Injury in Week Three Affects the Team

The New York Giants faced the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football. What many thought was going to be a beautiful fight full of rhythm and momentum fell very fast for Big Blue. They lost the game 28-6. Meanwhile, their core player, Jaxson Dart, left the game on the first drive. The Giants were devastated at first; however, this Giants quarterback was up and walking afterward. 

In the first drive of the game, Dart was taken out by two of the Rams’ defenders. One tackled him from the top half, and the other hit him in his left knee. The former Ole Miss quarterback's leg awkwardly turned, and he landed on the field. It was not a pretty sight, and Giants fans were led to worry that their season might be over. Dart getting up and refusing help showed the mentality he has in New York. 

While in the locker room, Dart wanted to return to the game. The young star had X-rays done, but nothing was reported. The Giants training staff later reported, however, that the quarterback suffered a sprained MCL. Despite his wishes, New York’s training staff took his uniform and pulled him from the game to avoid further injury. He still helped stand on the sideline and coach through the game. Big Blue gave their best effort despite the fall they took in Week Two. 

Dart may not be as badly injured as many fans and analysts think. It could have been worse if he was on the ground when he got hit. However, Dart returned to the sideline despite a slight limp in his left leg. The 23-year-old quarterback may have felt it in the morning, but he seemed to be in decent spirits despite not being able to return. His presence was felt among the team. 

For the Giants, they had to put backup quarterback Jameis Winston in. The offensive line felt like a completely different piece of the puzzle without its core. If Dart does not play, the Giants may fall in at least two or three more games if the backup veteran quarterback has to come in. Winston could not make ends meet with receivers, and many other scares occurred on the field with other key players such as Malik Nabers and Brian Burns. The season is not lost; it has only begun. Big Blue is set to take on the Tennessee Titans at home at 1:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, September 27Th. Whether Dart plays remains to be seen.