Dart's season is expected to end with knee surgery.

Two days after Jaxson Dart left the Giants' loss to the Rams on the opening drive, the outlook for their starting quarterback has shifted from a possible long absence to an expected end to his 2026 season.

NFL Network reporters Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Wednesday, citing sources, that Dart is expected to have knee surgery that would end his season. They reported that his ACL is intact and that the procedure is expected to allow a full recovery. The operation and recovery timetable have not been announced by the Giants, and an expectation is not the same as confirmation that surgery has taken place.

What changed Wednesday

The team's latest public update still says evaluations are ongoing and no final decision has been made. Coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday that the Giants would announce the direction once everyone involved had reached a decision. That statement predates Wednesday's report; it should not be read as a denial of the newer information.

Dart completed three of five passes for 20 yards before the knee injury in Monday's 28-6 loss. Jameis Winston played the rest of the game. The Giants are 1-1 and host Tennessee on Sunday, with a short week to reorganize an offense built around the quarterback who threw three touchdown passes in the season-opening win over Dallas.

What it means for the Giants

The immediate football question is who starts Sunday. The larger one is how New York supports Dart through recovery while building a season without him. Winston is the experienced option already on the roster; the team also lists Jake Haener on its practice squad. Until the Giants provide a formal update, the responsible description is that season-ending surgery is expected, not that the club has officially ruled Dart out.