Jaxson Dart Receives Major Update On Knee Injury Following Surgery

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Jaxson Dart has received encouraging news following surgery on the left knee injury that ended his regular season.

The New York Giants quarterback underwent the procedure Friday after suffering significant damage against the Los Angeles Rams. Dart injured his knee during New York’s opening drive in the September 21 loss at SoFi Stadium.

He initially hoped to return, but further testing revealed damage involving his meniscus, MCL and PCL.

Jaxson Dart Surgery Reveals Expected Damage Without Additional Issues

Giants head coach John Harbaugh provided the latest update Wednesday, explaining that doctors found what they expected.

“I think it went well. Have you ever heard the doctor tell you it didn’t go well?”

Harbaugh added that the medical team saw the anticipated damage and repaired it during the procedure.

“I think it was as expected. I think they saw what they thought they were going to see and just fixed it.”

That development gives Dart and the Giants a clearer recovery picture after several uncertain days. Doctors did not discover additional problems during the surgery.

The quarterback still faces a lengthy rehabilitation, however, with his recovery expected to take four to six months. Dart’s injury also forced New York to adjust its quarterback plans as the season moved forward.

The Giants have since acquired former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy from Minnesota to strengthen the position. Jameis Winston remains the team’s starting quarterback, while McCarthy provides another option behind him.

Giants Face Difficult Timeline As Dart Targets Possible Postseason Return

Dart’s four-to-six-month recovery window creates an uncertain path toward a potential playoff return. The NFL playoffs begin in January, meaning the quarterback would need a particularly smooth rehabilitation process.

Harbaugh acknowledged that a postseason comeback could prove difficult.

“Maybe that’s a little ambitious,” Harbaugh said when discussing the possibility of Dart returning for the playoffs.

The Giants have not placed a firm timetable on Dart beyond his regular-season absence. That approach allows the quarterback to focus on rehabilitation without creating expectations around a specific return date.

Dart entered the 2026 season after taking over as New York’s full-time starter during his rookie campaign. He opened this season with a strong performance against Dallas, throwing three touchdown passes during the Giants’ Week 1 victory.

The Giants then lost to the Rams before Dart suffered the injury early in the game.

Having his ACL intact provided some encouragement while the organization prepared for surgery and a lengthy recovery.

For now, Dart will remain focused on rehabilitation while Winston and McCarthy handle the Giants’ quarterback responsibilities. His eventual return will depend on how his knee responds throughout the recovery process.