The New York Giants already have the mindset that they are making the playoffs in 2026. If they can win a handful of their remaining games, they can make the playoffs with a wild-card spot for the first time in four years. The Giants have been working hard in the first half of the season. However, they may be missing one player during that time. Quarterback Jaxson Dart is determined to be back for the Giants’ playoffs.
Fans, analysts, and the team themselves want to see their star quarterback return before the season closes. However, the likelihood of this happening is very slim. It all depends on how his recovery goes over the next several weeks. For now, he is still walking with crutches and a brace. By the time the playoffs roll around, it will be less than four months since Dart’s injury. Realistically, it will take four to six months for the Giants' former first-round pick to heal and fully get back on his feet.
The 23-year-old quarterback left the field in Week Two against the Los Angeles Rams after suffering a multi-ligament and meniscus injury to his left knee. Josaiah Stewart and Byron Young basically sandwiched the second-year rookie quarterback in the air on the opening drive. Dart got up and walked off the field. The medical staff made the right call and pulled him out because of how he was walking. He was so determined to get back into the game that the franchise medical team had to remove his uniform.
It has been stated by both the Giants’ head coach, John Harbaugh, and general manager Joe Schoen that the Utah native should be ready to go. Both have stated the young shot-caller has a strong head on his shoulders and is in the right headspace for the game. However, they need to slow down his process and not rush him back into the game. He may be the answer for the Giants, but they may need to hold off a little longer so he can fully recover. Yet Dart’s postseason hopes hang in the balance, with an increasingly uncertain road to January threatening to derail his playoff ambitions.
A cornerstone of the franchise, the standout playmaker has emerged as Big Blue’s heartbeat, embodying the grit, resilience, and competitive fire that define the organization. He takes the time to hold his teammates accountable and make sure that everyone is putting in the work. The electrifying young signal-caller thrives when the pocket collapses, turning chaos into opportunity by escaping pressure, extending plays with his legs, and finding open receivers when defenses least expect it. The only error is the offensive line failing to protect him, which is how the young quarterback got injured in the first place.
It wouldn’t be a good idea for him to return once the playoffs start. The best option for the Giants would be to let him help call plays from the sidelines, as he did when he first went out with his knee injury. Although the Rebels' former offensive leader remains determined to return for the playoffs, Big Blue should prioritize his recovery and ensure he is fully prepared for the 2027 season. It would be a smarter move for both him and Big Blue to make sure his ligaments fully recover. The road to January could come down to one critical decision; knowing when to stay off the field. Big Blue’s mobile pocket passer must prioritize recovery over the temptation of an early return, or risk turning a temporary setback into a devastating absence that could derail both his season and the franchise’s postseason ambitions.
The former Ole Miss Rebel has kept in touch with his teammates throughout his recovery. He has also been seen in and out of the building for team meetings. Dart wants to stay involved and avoid being away from his team for too long. If he takes the full time to recover, he can return in time for the 2027 season. As the pressure mounts to get their developing offensive leader back under center, Big Blue must resist the temptation to rush his return, recognizing that protecting his long-term health is far more valuable than risking another devastating setback.
The team is ready to welcome him back with open arms once the medical team gives him the all-clear. For now, the franchise has J.J. McCarthy to cover him. So far, McCarthy has been just as much of a double threat, nearly matching Dart. He can get the ball out and run the ball when needed. The former Viking may stay in New York and become QB2 next season, just in case the electrifying backfield commander isn’t fully ready to resume his role.
It would be a much better idea to let McCarthy keep the reins if Big Blue makes the playoffs this season. Dart will still be involved, just not the way that fans and analysts want him to be. It would be a much better decision for this team to let him lay low and make calls from the sideline. As fantastic as it would be to see this young quarterback return, it would still be the right call for everyone involved. 2027 could be his year.
