Giants QB Jaxson Dart reportedly believed to have sprained MCL vs Rams

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is believed to have sustained a sprained MCL in the first quarter of Monday's 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams based on initial exams of his injury, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports .

Per the report, X-rays were negative, and Dart is slated to undergo an MRI for further evaluation Tuesday. While still a significant injury on top of a tough loss to the Rams, the report that arrived at the end of the game was relatively good news for Dart and the Giants.

Head coach John Harbaugh declined to confirm the report postgame, but told reporters "that's in the neighborhood of it" when asked if Dart had sustained a sprained MCL. Harbaugh said he wanted to wait for the results of Dart's MRI before speaking further on the diagnosis.

Dart's injury looked serious as soon as it happened, and it prompted the Giants to send him for in-game X-rays that ultimately didn't reveal a fracture. Dart was on the sideline in street clothes after halftime and walked off the field with his team after the loss without a notable limp.

The late-game report didn't include a prognosis or timeline for Dart's recovery and return to the field. More will be known after Tuesday's MRI. But Dart and the Giants are certainly hoping that all signs point to the injury being less serious than initially feared.

The injury took place on New York's first drive of the game on a third-down pass. Dart was under pressure and jumped to throw downfield. He was hit hard as he was sandwiched between multiple players and injured his left knee.

Dart grabbed his knee in pain. Harbaugh came out to check on him as ESPN went to commercial. Dart got up and limped off the field without assistance. The Giants ruled Dart out early in the third quarter, but ESPN reported that Giants general manager Joe Schoen said about Dart : "He's going to be OK."

Jameis Winston took over at quarterback for the Giants after Dart exited. Dart walked to the locker room as that series began.

The Giants listed Dart as questionable to return initially, and he was later carted to get X-rays. Dart later returned to the sideline in street clothes. ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported that Dart wanted to return to the game.

Dart was a first-round draft pick last year and had a promising rookie season. His aggressiveness and running style led to injury concerns, including being evaluated for concussions five times. The Giants are now left to wait for the result of Tuesday's MRI to have a firmer grasp on his latest injury.

Winston struggled to move New York's offense in Dart's place Monday night as the Rams went on to a dominant win. Both teams are now 1-1.