The New York Giants just got a brutal gut punch. Quarterback Jaxson Dart’s left knee injury is way more severe than anyone first thought after Monday night’s Week 2 finale against the Rams. Initial tests on Dart’s knee hinted at an MCL sprain, maybe just a month or so on the sidelines. Less than 24 hours later, the news flipped hard. Further tests revealed a much more serious ailment, with ESPN’s Ian Rapoport reporting Dart’s knee is “worse than anticipated.” This isn’t just a setback; reports now suggest Dart could miss most, or even all, of the 2026 NFL season. Talk about a brutal turn for their early season hopes.
Dart’s Season Is Blown Up, Now What?
With Dart potentially done for the year, the conversation immediately shifts from short-term backup to who’s leading this team for the long haul. Jameis Winston is already on the roster and might be a fine short-term solution for a few games. He was the No. 1 overall pick in 2015, he’s 32, and he’s got a ton of experience, even making a couple of starts for the Giants last season. That was under a different offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll. The big question is whether current coordinator Matt Nagy will be comfortable with Winston at the helm, especially since Winston’s last winning run was with the Saints in 2021. Winston is a respected, familiar leader the young Giants can rally around, but is that enough to salvage a season?
Outside the Building: The Trade Market Heats Up
If Coach John Harbaugh and the Giants’ front office decide Winston isn’t the guy for a full season, they’re going to have to look outside the building, and there are some intriguing names floating around. Remember Gardner Minshew II? He was with Kansas City last season when Nagy was helping Andy Reid with the offensive scheming. Minshew made one start for Patrick Mahomes when Mahomes went down with his major knee injury, before ceding to Chris Oladokoun (who’s now in the CFL with the B.C. Lions). Minshew is currently stuck in the Cardinals’ depth chart behind Jacoby Brissett and rookie Carson Beck, so Arizona might be willing to part with him for a late-round pick. Then there’s Carson Wentz, who looked good filling in for Kyler Murray in Week 1 for the Vikings and helped win a battle of attrition against the Bears in Week 2. He’s back on the bench now that Murray’s cleared for Week 3. Wentz was the Chiefs’ top veteran backup for Mahomes under Nagy in 2025, which means he’d be a natural system fit. Wentz has already played for seven teams since 2020. What’s one more? And don’t forget Mitchell Trubisky, the Titans’ veteran No. 2 behind struggling 2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward. With Tennessee being thin, he could be another option.
This whole situation puts Coach Harbaugh and the Giants’ brass in a crazy spot. They have to make a monster decision, and fast, before this season gets completely derailed. What move are they going to make to try and save their year?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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