Injury ends Dart’s season; Winston thrust into starting role
Jaxson Dart is expected to have season-ending surgery on his left knee and could miss the remainder of the season. Dart’s injury occurred on the opening drive against the Los Angeles Rams when his left leg bent awkwardly under contact, and an MRI revealed medial collateral ligament, posterior cruciate ligament and meniscus damage, NFL Network reported.
With Dart sidelined, Jameis Winston will take over as the New York Giants’ starting quarterback beginning Sunday against the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium. The upcoming start will be Winston’s 90th NFL start.
Winston’s credentials, recent form and what the Giants have in him
The Giants signed Winston to a two-year extension worth $13 million earlier this month, a move that keeps him under contract through the 2028 season. Team personnel publicly regard Winston as one of the top backup quarterbacks in the league and place a high value on his leadership in the locker room.
Winston has been preparing for the opportunity. He said football remains his priority and reiterated long-term ambitions, adding that he plans his year "by design" and writes down a goal to be a Super Bowl-winning, starting NFL quarterback.
Winston’s most recent action came after he replaced Dart in the loss to the Rams. He completed 11 of 27 passes for 127 yards with no touchdowns and one interception in that appearance.
The Giants hope a full week of practice with the starting unit will produce a better showing from Winston than the one coming off the bench. Winston said he does not intend to alter his approach now that he is the starter.
Immediate implications and roster context
For now, the Giants’ immediate solution is internal: Jameis Winston has taken over as the starter and will run the offense. He replaced Dart in Monday's game against the Rams, completing 11 of 27 passes for 127 yards with an interception and couldn't do much with the offense. The Giants signed Winston to a two-year extension that keeps him under contract through the 2028 season.
How Winston performs over the next weeks will shape the Giants’ options moving forward. The combination of his starting experience, recent snap count and the club’s valuation of his locker-room presence gives New York a clear short-term path, even as the club adjusts to Dart’s loss.
