Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-18**Lead**
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has been sidelined with a serious lower‑body injury since mid‑November, may still have a chance to return for the playoffs. A surgeon close to the rehabilitation process told the team’s medical staff this week that a postseason comeback is not out of the question, provided Dart continues to meet key recovery benchmarks over the next several weeks. The Giants, currently fighting for a wild‑card berth in the NFC, have not ruled out the possibility, though coach Brian Daboll has emphasized that the young star’s long‑term health remains the top priority.
**Context**
Dart, 23, sustained the injury during a Week 11 road game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He was rolled up on while scrambling and suffered a complex fracture‑dislocation of his left ankle, along with ligament damage. After undergoing surgery in early December, he was initially given a recovery timeline of 6‑8 weeks, which would place his earliest possible return around mid‑January. The Giants’ regular season concludes on January 5, meaning Dart could theoretically be ready for the opening round of the playoffs if the team qualifies.
Dart was in the midst of a breakout season before the injury. In his first year as a full‑time starter, he threw for 3,845 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions, while also rushing for 487 yards and 4 scores. His dual‑threat ability transformed the Giants’ offense, which had struggled for consistency in previous seasons. The team posted an 8‑4 record with Dart under center, compared to a 1‑3 mark in games he missed (including his injury exit). His absence has forced the Giants to rely on backup Tommy DeVito, who has performed admirably but lacks Dart’s explosive playmaking.
The surgeon, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss specific patient details, told ESPN that Dart’s bone healing has been “ahead of schedule” and that the surrounding soft‑tissue damage is also responding well to treatment. “The nature of this injury is such that a return to play at the NFL level within six to eight weeks is aggressive but not unprecedented,” the surgeon said. “We have seen similar recoveries in elite athletes, although every case is different. At this point, I would not preclude a playoff return.” The surgeon cautioned, however, that full clearance would require Dart to pass a series of functional tests, including agility drills and non‑contact football movements, without pain or instability.
**Analysis**
Dart’s potential return would be a massive boost to a Giants team that has limped into the final weeks of the regular season. Without him, the offense has averaged just 16.3 points per game, down from 27.1 with him. The playoff race remains tight — the Giants are currently the No. 7 seed in the NFC, but three other teams are within one game. Even if they secure a spot, they would likely face a daunting road matchup against a division winner. Having Dart under center — even at 80% — would dramatically improve their chances of pulling off an upset.
But the decision is not purely about football. The medical team, led by Giants head physician Dr. Russell F. Warren, will weigh the risks of rushing Dart back. Reinjury rates for high‑ankle fractures with ligament involvement are elevated if an athlete returns before full stabilization. A failed comeback could not only end the Giants’ season prematurely but also jeopardize Dart’s career. The organization learned a hard lesson in 2023 when they allowed star running back Saquon Barkley to play through a similar injury, leading to a setback that required a second surgery. That experience has made the front office more conservative.
Financially, Dart is still on his rookie contract, making him one of the most valuable assets in the league. The Giants’ front office, led by general manager Joe Schoen, sees him as the franchise cornerstone. Pushing him back too soon could create a rift with the player and his representatives. Dart himself has expressed eagerness to return, telling reporters last week, “I’m doing everything I can to get back out there with my guys. If there’s a chance, I want to take it.” But the final call will rest with the medical staff and the coaching staff, likely after consultation with the front office.
**Fontes**
This article is based on information from multiple sources: the anonymous surgeon’s comments reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter; the Giants’ official injury updates provided via the team’s website; and background on Dart’s performance statistics from NFL Next Gen Stats. Additional context on injury recovery timelines was drawn from published studies in the American Journal of Sports Medicine and guidelines from the NFL’s injury prevention committee. No direct quotes from team officials were used beyond those already publicly available.