Many Giants fans suddenly found themselves trying to decipher lip movements.
Various clips have surfaced showing Jaxson Dart and a trainer appearing to discuss what is likely a diagnosis of a sprained MCL during the team’s 28-6 loss to the Rams on Monday.
The first clip, aired in the first quarter of the “Monday Night Football” game, showed head athletic trainer Adam Bennett speaking to coach John Harbaugh shortly after Dart was taken out following a collision with two Los Angeles defenders. Bennett seemed to inform Harbaugh about Dart’s injury timeline, possibly saying, “… Around four to six weeks,” as Harbaugh nodded with 9:51 left in the quarter, during a scoreless game.
In the second clip, Dart was seen on the sidelines dressed in street clothes with 6:17 remaining in the third quarter, while the Giants were down 21-3, and he appeared to express a desire to return to the game.
“They wouldn’t let me come back out,” Dart seemed to say.
The third clip captured Dart speaking to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford after the game, likely saying, “I’ll be alright” while nodding.
According to a report, there was some initial speculation within the Giants that Dart could potentially return, but the team opted for caution.
When asked whether Dart wanted to return, Harbaugh mentioned that he hadn’t spoken to him about it.
An official diagnosis for the former Ole Miss quarterback hasn’t been announced yet, but Harbaugh indicated the injury is somewhat consistent with an MCL issue.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen reassured ESPN during the game that Dart is “going to be OK.”
“We’ll know more tomorrow,” Harbaugh noted. “We’ll get an MRI (on Tuesday) for more clarity and will provide information then.”
He also mentioned, “The fact that it’s not … a devastating outcome is really good news.”
If the lip readings are correct, it suggests a significant range of when Dart might return, although his season isn’t necessarily over.
It’s a positive sign that the quarterback wants to come back, although athletes sometimes push through pain regardless.
A four-to-six-week recovery period would mean Dart could miss several games, at least until Week 6, and the team would have to decide whether to sit him for Week 7 ahead of a break in Week 8.
This scenario could allow Dart to possibly be back for a Week 9 matchup against the Eagles.
In the meantime, if Dart is out, the Giants will need a better showing from whoever steps in for him than what they got from Jameis Winston on Monday.
Winston struggled significantly in relief, completing only 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and tossing one interception.
Harbaugh commented, “It’s just a matter of execution.”
