The New York Giants got an early scare in Los Angeles when Jaxson Dart left their opening drive with an apparent knee injury, forcing Jameis Winston into the game against the Rams.
Dart was hit mid-throw on a third-down deep ball by Rams defenders Josaiah Stewart and Byron Young, and the contact sent his left knee bending awkwardly in the air. He went down immediately, clutching the knee in pain as trainers hurried out to check on him.
He was able to get up and walk to the sideline on his own, then was evaluated in the sideline medical tent before heading to the locker room. The team had a cart ready, but Dart walked slowly down the sideline instead. According to ESPN's Laura Rutledge, he also did not immediately go to the X-ray room.
The Giants punted after the failed third-down try, and Dart finished the possession 3-for-5 for 20 passing yards.
Jameis Winston took over at quarterback, while rookie Ty Simpson serves as the emergency third quarterback and would be making his first regular-season appearance if needed.
The injury interrupts what had been a strong start to Dart's second NFL season. He opened the year by going 23-for-29 in a Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys, throwing for 230 yards and three touchdowns in the divisional victory. That performance marked the best passer rating game of his young career and pointed to a possible jump from his promising rookie season.
If Dart is sidelined, the Giants at least have some breathing room in the short term. Winston brings plenty of starting experience, and the schedule ahead is manageable, with Tennessee, Arizona and Washington on tap in Weeks 3-6.
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