The New York Giants' already difficult start to the season took a painful turn Monday night, as rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart left a 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams with a knee injury that sources believe is a sprained MCL.

Dart went down on New York's first offensive series when Rams linebacker Byron Young hit him from the right side, driving him into linebacker Josaiah Stewart as Dart tried to avoid the tackle. He landed hard on the turf and was slow to get up. According to ESPN, X-rays taken after the game came back negative, but Dart is believed to have sprained his MCL and is set for an MRI on Tuesday to confirm the extent of the damage.

Dart tried to stay in the game

Dart attempted to return to the field in the first half, but the Giants' medical and coaching staff held him out, turning the offense over to veteran backup Jameis Winston for the remainder of the game. Dart wasn't the only Giants starter banged up in the loss, as New York's rough night compounded with additional injuries elsewhere on the roster.

EXPECTED TO MISS TIME

Dart is expected to miss at least some time, according to multiple reports, though the full timeline won't be clear until Tuesday's imaging results are in. The Rams, meanwhile, controlled the game from start to finish, continuing to look like one of the more complete teams early in the season.

What it means for New York

Losing Dart, even temporarily, is a significant blow for a Giants team that had built its early-season offensive identity around the rookie's mobility and playmaking. Winston, a well-traveled veteran, gives New York experience under center but a very different style of play, and the Giants' coaching staff will need to adjust its offensive approach if Dart is sidelined for an extended stretch.

The Giants will have a short week to regroup and get a clearer picture of Dart's timeline before their next matchup, with the team's playoff hopes increasingly dependent on stabilizing the quarterback position one way or another.