The New York Giants opened Week 1 as one of the league’s surprises, ushering in the John Harbaugh era with a statement win over the Dallas Cowboys behind second-year passer Jaxson Dart. That momentum stalled Monday as young quarterbacks injuries mounted around the NFL and Dart became the latest promising starter to leave a game early.
Only two weeks into the season, a wave of setbacks has altered plans for several franchises built around emerging talent. Dart joined the Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams and the Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels in exiting during Week 2, a growing list that also includes the Minnesota Vikings’ Kyler Murray and the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks’ Sam Darnold.
All five are former first-round picks and all are under 30.
Wave of young quarterbacks injuries reshapes early season
Dart departed in the first quarter of New York’s 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. On a third-and-8, the pocket collapsed and he was hit low on his left knee as multiple defenders closed in.
He limped to the sideline, went to the locker room, was initially listed as questionable, then was ruled out after halftime.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen said on the game broadcast that Dart “is going to be OK,” noting the quarterback would undergo X-rays at the stadium.
Dart’s aggressive style drew attention as a rookie, when he missed time with a concussion but continued to play with the same edge after returning.
In the preseason, he even wondered aloud about how often he ends up in the blue medical tent following big hits. He said in August that he respects the protocols aimed at protecting players but was puzzled that “every time that I get hit… I just find my way in there.”
His latest injury came on a routine dropback, an example of how exposures remain even on standard plays.
Washington faced a similar blow when Daniels dislocated his left elbow while trying to regain balance after being tripped by a teammate in a 37-20 defeat to Dallas. The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year dislocated the same elbow last season and appeared in only seven games due to multiple injuries.
“It sucks for him,” coach Dan Quinn told reporters, adding that the team would stand by its quarterback through the setback.
Earlier Sunday, Chicago’s Williams was carted off with a hamstring strain during a 9-3 loss to the Vikings, abruptly halting a hot start that followed the Bears’ 59-point outburst in Week 1.
Coach Ben Johnson said Williams is pursuing every avenue to return and is considered week-to-week, noting the quarterback’s history of bouncing back quickly.
Despite the spate of young quarterbacks injuries, recent results show seasons can stay on track. Minnesota opened 2-0 with Carson Wentz while Murray recovered from a Week 1 concussion, and Murray is expected to start in Week 3.
Seattle is also 2-0 with Drew Lock filling in for Darnold, including a 31-point outburst on Sunday. Darnold is slated to return to practice this week, though his starting status remains uncertain.
In the interim, Chicago will hand the offense to Tyler Bagent, New York will turn to Jameis Winston, and Washington will start Marcus Mariota while their young leaders recover.
For Dart, Williams and Daniels, each viewed as both future stars and dynamic faces of the league, the chance to solidify that status will have to wait.