EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is scheduled to have surgery Friday on his left knee, sources told ESPN. The belief is it will be a meniscus and MCL repair.
Dart was injured in Monday night's 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Coach John Harbaugh said Dart will be out for the "regular season," leaving open the possibility he could return some time in the postseason.
It was an optimistic outlook from the Giants' coach. The Super Bowl is in four-plus months. Dart opted for a quick surgery so he can begin his rehabilitation.
The young quarterback was injured when he was sandwiched by a pair of Rams defenders on the seventh snap Monday night. He was hit on his right side by Rams linebacker Byron Young. That sent Dart into linebacker Josaiah Stewart, who slammed into the side of the quarterback's knee.
The medical personnel originally thought it was a sprained MCL, but imaging showed more severe damage the following day. Dart had tears to his MCL and meniscus, along with damage to the PCL in his left knee, sources told ESPN. His ACL remained intact.
"It sucked," running back Cam Skattebo said. "I talked to him on the sidelines a little bit, and he's my best friend. So, it's a little emotional for me. It sucked to lose him."
Dart was officially placed on injured reserve Thursday. Jameis Winston will start in his place on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Winston completed 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and an interception in three-plus quarters against the Rams.
Dart was in team meetings and limping around the Giants facility earlier this week. He wanted to remain around the team.
"I think he's determined," Harbaugh said. "He's bummed. It's hard. The season's not over, but it is for him."
Dart, 23, flashed promise as a rookie last year and was outstanding in New York's season-opening victory over the Dallas Cowboys, completing 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 54 yards.
Dart is expected to make a full recovery.