Jaxson Dart left the New York Giants’ Monday Night Football game with a knee injury in the first quarter, and the Los Angeles Rams pulled away for a 28-6 victory at SoFi Stadium on Monday, September 21, 2026.
The loss spoiled New York’s attempt to open the season 2-0 under first-year head coach John Harbaugh. The Giants had defeated the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, but could not reproduce that offensive performance after Dart’s early departure.
Table of Contents
Jaxson Dart exits after early hit
Dart was injured with 11:20 remaining in the opening quarter while attempting a pass on third down. He was hit as he released the ball and appeared to have his left knee forced inward during the play.
The second-year quarterback held his knee before walking to the sideline under his own power. He was evaluated in the blue medical tent and later went to the locker room.
Dart completed three of five passes for 20 yards before leaving the game. The Giants listed him as questionable to return during the contest, but he did not come back.
Jameis Winston entered at quarterback after New York’s next possession. The Giants did not immediately provide a detailed diagnosis beyond the knee injury, leaving Dart’s status for the team’s next game uncertain.
Rams control the game after Dart’s exit
Los Angeles took advantage of the disruption and established control on both sides of the ball. Matthew Stafford connected with Davante Adams for a 31-yard touchdown in the first quarter, giving the Rams an early lead.
Stafford found Adams again for an 11-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Kyren Williams added a 10-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter as Los Angeles built a 21-0 advantage before New York finally reached the scoreboard.
The Giants managed two field goals by Dominic Zvada, including a 24-yard kick in the second quarter and another three-pointer after halftime. New York was unable to generate a touchdown against a Rams defence that consistently pressured the replacement quarterback and limited the Giants’ running game.
Los Angeles added its fourth touchdown in the final quarter to complete the 28-6 win. The victory moved the Rams to 1-1 after their opening-week loss to the San Francisco 49ers, while the Giants also moved to 1-1.
What the result means for New York
The immediate concern for the Giants is Dart’s health. He entered the game after a strong Week 1 performance against Dallas, when he completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns.
His injury forced New York to change quarterbacks and altered the game plan against a Rams defence that was already expected to test the Giants’ offensive line. Winston brought veteran experience, but the offence struggled to maintain drives once he took over.
The Giants will likely provide additional information about Dart’s condition during the week. Until medical testing and further evaluation are complete, it is not clear whether he will practise or play in the team’s next game.
New York can take some encouragement from the fact that the season remains level at 1-1, but the result highlighted how important Dart has become to Harbaugh’s new offence. The quarterback had been one of the main storylines entering the matchup after guiding the Giants to an opening-night win.
Rams gain momentum at home
The victory gave Los Angeles a needed response after its 27-7 loss to San Francisco in the opening week. Stafford delivered the decisive plays through the air, while Adams became the game’s most influential receiving target with two touchdown catches.
The Rams also welcomed the return of defensive lineman Aaron Donald, who had not played in the season opener. His presence added another layer to a defence that kept the Giants out of the end zone.
Los Angeles will now prepare for a road game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, September 27. The Giants’ next schedule update will be watched closely because it will determine whether Dart or Winston takes the majority of first-team quarterback snaps.
Giants vs Rams final score
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Giants | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
The central question coming out of Monday night is whether Dart’s knee injury will keep him out beyond the game. The Giants have not announced a final diagnosis, making the next medical update the most important development for New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Jaxson Dart against the Rams?
Dart suffered a knee injury while attempting a pass in the first quarter and left the game after completing three of five passes for 20 yards.
Did Jaxson Dart return against Los Angeles?
No. Dart was listed as questionable to return but did not re-enter the game.
Who replaced Jaxson Dart at quarterback?
Jameis Winston entered in relief after Dart left the game.
What was the final score of Giants vs Rams?
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the New York Giants 28-6.
What is known about Jaxson Dart’s injury?
The Giants identified the injury as a knee issue during the game but had not announced a more detailed diagnosis immediately after the final whistle.
Fact-Checked: Key game, injury and schedule details were checked against official New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams information, with the final score cross-checked against available game statistics.
Disclaimer: This report describes the injury status available after the game and does not replace an official medical diagnosis.