Giants face quarterback uncertainty after Jaxson Dart’s injury and backup struggles

Jaxson Dart sustained a knee injury in the first quarter of the Giants’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams, forcing the team to rely on veteran backup Jameis Winston. Winston, who recently signed a two-year, $13 million extension, struggled to establish rhythm, completing few passes and failing to sustain the running game, contributing to a blowout defeat.

Head coach Brian Harbaugh reviewed game tape on his flight home and met with players in the locker room, where right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor acknowledged the disappointment but urged the group to move forward, noting the team still has “15 more rounds” in the season.

Winston said the Rams’ defense anticipated the pass, making it difficult to execute: “When you know a pass is coming, it’s very challenging to throw the ball… We have to execute better on first and second down.”

Medical staff indicated that Dart may need a brace and could miss several weeks, depending on the extent of swelling and range-of-motion recovery. The injury raises questions about the Giants’ quarterback plans for the remainder of the season and the upcoming draft, as the team weighs whether to continue developing Dart or explore other options.

Defensively, the Giants were unable to contain Rams receivers and allowed 165 rushing yards, while failing to generate sufficient pressure on quarterback Matthew Stafford, who exploited the gaps throughout the game.