The New York Giants quarterback depth chart has undergone a major change following the latest injury update on starting quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Dart’s knee injury is reportedly more serious than initially anticipated, creating the possibility that he could miss an extended period and potentially the remainder of the 2026 NFL season. While the Giants have not officially ruled Dart out for the year, Jameis Winston is now positioned to take over as New York’s starting quarterback while the team waits for a definitive prognosis.
New York Giants QB Depth Chart
With Dart sidelined, the Giants’ current quarterback situation looks like this:
- Jameis Winston — Starter
- Jake Haener — Practice squad / potential backup
- Jaxson Dart — Injured
The Giants could also add another quarterback through free agency, the waiver wire or a trade because of how thin the position has become.
Jameis Winston Becomes Giants Starting Quarterback
Winston is the obvious choice to take over the Giants offense following Dart’s injury.
Winston entered Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams after Dart suffered the knee injury. He completed 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and one interception as New York fell 28-6.
More importantly, Winston is currently the only healthy quarterback on the Giants’ 53-man roster.
That puts the veteran in position to start New York’s upcoming games unless the Giants make an unexpected roster move.
Winston brings considerable NFL starting experience to the position. Although he began the season as Dart’s backup, the Giants may now have to rely on him for a significant portion of the 2026 campaign.
What Is Jaxson Dart’s Injury?
The concern surrounding Dart increased after additional testing reportedly showed that his knee injury was worse than initially anticipated.
There is now concern that Dart could require surgery that would potentially end his 2026 season.
However, it is important to note that the Giants have not officially announced that Dart is out for the season. The team continues to evaluate the injury before determining the next course of action.
Until there is an official decision, Dart remains part of the Giants roster but is not expected to be available in the immediate future.
Who Is the Giants Backup Quarterback Behind Jameis Winston?
That could be Jake Haener.
Haener is currently on the Giants’ practice squad and is the most immediate option to serve as Winston’s backup. New York could elevate Haener for game day or sign him to the active roster.
The 27-year-old Haener entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 2023 NFL Draft after playing college football at Fresno State.
If Dart is placed on injured reserve or ruled out for an extended period, Haener could become a more permanent part of the Giants’ active quarterback room.
Could the Giants Sign Another Quarterback?
The Giants will likely have to consider adding another quarterback.
With Winston as the only healthy quarterback currently on the 53-man roster and Haener on the practice squad, New York has very little depth at one of the NFL’s most important positions.
The Giants could explore several avenues, including signing an available veteran free agent, claiming a quarterback off waivers, promoting Haener to the active roster or potentially pursuing a trade.
Even if the Giants are comfortable starting Winston, adding another quarterback would provide insurance if Winston suffers an injury.
What Jaxson Dart’s Injury Means for the Giants
Dart’s injury represents a significant setback for the Giants because the 23-year-old quarterback is a major part of the franchise’s long-term plans.
The immediate priority, however, becomes keeping the offense functioning with Winston under center.
Winston has extensive NFL experience and has previously served as a starter for both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. That experience gives the Giants a veteran option rather than forcing an inexperienced quarterback directly into the lineup.
The question is whether Winston can provide enough consistency to keep New York competitive while Dart recovers.
Giants QB Depth Chart Going Forward
For now, the New York Giants quarterback depth chart after the Jaxson Dart injury is effectively:
QB1: Jameis Winston
QB2: Jake Haener
Injured: Jaxson Dart
That depth chart could change quickly if the Giants sign or trade for another quarterback.
The biggest development to watch will be the final diagnosis on Dart’s knee. If surgery is required and Dart is officially ruled out for the remainder of the season, New York will likely need to restructure its quarterback room for the rest of the 2026 NFL schedule.
Until then, Jameis Winston is the Giants’ next man up at quarterback, with Jake Haener positioned as the most immediate backup option.