The injury occurred during the opening possession of Monday’s 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Dart was injured on the seventh snap of the game when he was hit by Rams linebacker Byron Young, causing him to collide with linebacker Josaiah Stewart. The quarterback immediately clutched his left knee and was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the contest after heading to the locker room.
Surgery and Recovery Timeline
While reports indicate that Dart’s ACL remains intact, the surgery is required to address damage to his meniscus and MCL, as well as his PCL. Following medical evaluations and consultations, the team and the player determined that surgery was the necessary course of action. The procedure carries an estimated recovery timeline of approximately six months, which is significantly shorter than the nine-month recovery typically associated with an ACL tear.
The Giants organization expects the 23-year-old to make a full recovery and be prepared for the 2027 season. The team had initially hoped for a less severe diagnosis following the game, with Harbaugh noting on Monday that the club appeared to have avoided a worst-case scenario. However, subsequent evaluations confirmed the need for surgical intervention.
Transition to Jameis Winston
With Dart sidelined, the Giants will shift their focus to Jameis Winston. After entering the game against the Rams, Winston struggled to find rhythm, completing 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and throwing one interception. Despite the difficult outing, Harbaugh expressed confidence in Winston’s ability to lead the offense moving forward. The team also carries Jake Haener on their practice squad as additional depth.
Dart had entered the season with high expectations following a promising rookie campaign. He began the 2026 season on a high note, leading the Giants to a victory over the Dallas Cowboys by completing 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 54 yards on the ground. The Giants currently hold a 1-1 record as they prepare for the remainder of their schedule without their starting quarterback.
