The Giants’ quarterback picture got complicated fast, and now a familiar veteran name is starting to hover over the conversation.
Jaxson Dart’s exit from Monday night’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams looked bad from the jump. The left knee injury was first believed to be a sprained MCL, which at least left room for hope that the absence would be short. But Tuesday’s further testing reportedly painted a more serious picture, with Dart potentially facing a lengthy absence or even the rest of the season.
Jameis Winston has already taken over the starting job for now, but that only solves the immediate problem. If Dart’s recovery drags on for months, the Giants may have to look beyond the current depth chart.
That’s where Joe Flacco has entered the discussion.
The 41-year-old Super Bowl winner is currently backing up Joe Burrow in Cincinnati, but his name has surfaced as a possible option for New York. The appeal is obvious.
Flacco won Super Bowl XLVII under Harbaugh in Baltimore and spent more than a decade in that system, so the connection is already there. He also put together strong stretches with the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts before landing with the Bengals.
Last season, Flacco earned his first Pro Bowl nod after stepping in and producing for Burrow. Even at 41, he’s shown he can still run an offense when called upon.
Still, there are real obstacles. Cincinnati values him as insurance, especially with Burrow’s injury history, and a FOX Sports analysis noted that while Flacco would be an upgrade for New York, he’s still unlikely to be moved while the Bengals are pursuing their own season goals.
He’s not the only name being floated. Jimmy Garoppolo is another possible free-agent option if the Giants decide they need more depth behind Winston. But Flacco’s mix of experience and his connection to the coaching staff has kept him near the top of the speculative list.
For now, the Giants are waiting on the full timeline for Dart and focusing on the next few games. Any real move for Flacco would need Cincinnati’s approval, along with a clear plan for what comes next. At this stage, it’s only a rumor - but it’s a rumor with enough substance to keep circling.
In Other News...
Joe Burrows Week 3 Status Just Became The Bengals Biggest Concern
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Still, Cincinnati is hardly out of the woods heading into the Week 3 game against the Steelers. Burrows availability has quickly become the teams biggest concern, because even when he is practicing, the Bengals have to monitor how his back responds and whether he can hold up through Sundays physical matchup. [Read more 🡒]
Bengals Suddenly Have A New Health Worry Before AFC North Test
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Zac Taylor tried to steady the picture by offering a broader health update, including on Joe Burrow, who is sore but is still expected to play. Even so, the timing is hardly ideal for a team trying to navigate a division matchup with its margin for error shrinking and its injury list growing at the wrong moment. [Read more 🡒]
Amarius Mims Just Raised The Stakes For Bengals Against Pittsburgh
Amarius Mims used the Bengals Week 2 matchup with Houston as a measuring stick, and he passed it cleanly. Cincinnatis right tackle did not allow a single pressure against a Texans front that tested him with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., a strong showing for a young lineman who said the game carried real personal significance.
Now the level of difficulty rises again with Pittsburgh up next, and the assignment only gets bigger for Cincinnati. Mims is expected to see TJ Watt in Week 3, which gives the Bengals another chance to see how their rookie-heavy protection holds up when the opponents best pass rusher is waiting on the other side. [Read more 🡒]