Story perspectives

Jaxson Dart’s injury forces Jameis Winston to start

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 11:29 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Jaxson Dart tore his MCL, PCL and meniscus, ending his season and leaving the Giants without a starter.
Backup Jameis Winston will start after completing 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and one interception versus the Rams.
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith urged the Giants to trade for Browns backup Shedeur Sanders.
Giants also consider practice-squad quarterback Jake Haener or veteran Joe Flacco as alternatives.

History

Historical Context

The Patriots’ 2010 season showed how a backup can sustain success when Tom Brady’s opening-day knee injury led Matt Cassel to start, delivering a 14-2 record and 3,693 passing yards. In 2024 the Giants faced a parallel crisis after rookie Jaxson Dart’s MCL, PCL and meniscus tears, forcing veteran Jameis Winston to assume the role and reviving the league’s reliance on experienced backups.

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Story summary

Jaxson Dart tore his MCL, PCL and meniscus, ending his season and leaving the Giants without a starter.
Backup Jameis Winston will start after completing 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and one interception versus the Rams.
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith urged the Giants to trade for Browns backup Shedeur Sanders.
Giants also consider practice-squad quarterback Jake Haener or veteran Joe Flacco as alternatives.

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