The Giants left Inglewood with a 28-6 loss to the Rams, but the score wasn’t the only thing that stung. Monday night also delivered a wave of injuries to four key players: quarterback Jaxson Dart, outside linebacker Brian Burns, left tackle Andrew Thomas and wide receiver Malik Nabers.
That’s the part that turns a bad night into a much bigger concern. New York is 1-1 after opening the season with a win over the Cowboys and then running into a Rams team viewed as a legitimate contender. The season is still young, but the margin for error just got a lot thinner.
“This is a test for everybody,” outside linebacker Brian Burns said. “You know, obviously coming off a huge win with Dallas, you know, this is a little piece of humble pie just the way the game went.
Nobody should be happy how stuff played out. But all in all, it's not gonna define us.
We just gotta get back to work, get back in the win column and that's something I feel like we're gonna do.”
The biggest immediate question is Dart, whose left knee took contact with the Rams’ Josaiah Stewart. The early hope, according to a source confirmed to NorthJersey.com and The Record, is that Dart avoided anything worse than an MCL sprain.
The Giants are expected to learn more after tests on Tuesday, and an MRI will determine the full extent of the damage. If there’s no additional injury, the usual recovery window for that kind of sprain is 2-4 weeks.
Dart did not address reporters in the locker room after the game. If he can’t go, Jameis Winston would be in line to start Sunday against the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium.
Thomas’ groin injury may be the one the Giants are sweating most. His importance to the offensive line is obvious, and the way he was laboring after the final two plays of the game made the situation look serious.
With a short week ahead, New York could turn to rookie J.C. Davis, though Marcus Mbow looks like the more likely option at left tackle against Tennessee.
Nabers also had a scare, though there was at least some encouraging news in the fact that he finished the game. He said his shoulder popped out after Rams corner Trent McDuffie got a hand on the ball and raked his right arm in coverage. Nabers will go through further testing, but the Giants are hoping there’s no lasting damage.
Burns’ night ended with a left ankle injury that looked ugly in real time. Late in the fourth quarter, his ankle was rolled up and he could barely put any weight on it. The cart came out, but Burns declined it and walked back to the locker room with help.
After the game, Harbaugh said Burns suffered a low ankle sprain. The Giants will have to see how the swelling and stiffness respond, but Burns has played through ankle sprains before, including most of his first season with the team.
That makes a quick return plausible, perhaps even next week. If he’s not ready, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux would step into the starting lineup.
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Neal, an undrafted free agent signed in 2024, gives the Rams extra depth and special teams help, which can matter just as much in a game where the margins are expected to be tight. Even with the injured linebackers on track to play, the move reflects a practical approach from the Rams as they try to keep their defense steady for Monday night. [Read more 🡒]
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The Rams are leaning on Donald to raise the ceiling of a unit that will be under pressure right away, especially with Myles Garrett on injured reserve. Even in a limited workload, Donald changes how opponents have to approach the middle of the line, and his presence gives the Rams a chance to look a lot more like the defense they expected to have. How much of an impact he can make immediately is still the key question. [Read more 🡒]