New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart could potentially return during the playoffs, but a surgeon interviewed by OutKick said the team should weigh any postseason appearance against the risk of bringing him back too soon.
Dr. Drew Burdi, a former college quarterback who now specializes in foot and ankle surgery, said a return was possible in some circumstances if the Giants reach the postseason. He also emphasized that he would not rush Dart back and said protecting the quarterback’s longer-term health should take priority over one season. Burdi noted that he does not specialize in knee injuries.
Dart had surgery on his left knee on Sept. 25. The procedure repaired his meniscus and addressed damage to his medial collateral ligament and posterior cruciate ligament. The reported recovery estimate is four to six months.
Giants coach John Harbaugh initially ruled Dart out for the regular season, leaving open the possibility of a return if the team advances to the playoffs. On Oct. 1, however, Harbaugh played down expectations after saying Dart had indicated he hoped to be back for the postseason. Harbaugh characterized that target as potentially ambitious.
The timing could be tight. Four months after the Sept. 25 operation falls on Jan. 25, 2027, while the NFL’s Divisional Round is scheduled to begin two days earlier. The source’s recovery estimate extends as long as six months, so the calendar alone does not establish when Dart would be medically cleared or able to play.
A postseason return would depend first on the Giants qualifying. The account reported New York at 3-1-1 and leading the NFC East at the time. It also said the Giants had gone 2-0-1 in games without Dart and were scheduled to face the 1-4 New Orleans Saints on Sunday at 1 p.m. Eastern.
The report described the other division teams as having uneven starts. Philadelphia was listed at 2-3 after three consecutive losses, with quarterback Jalen Hurts expected to miss at least the team’s game against Carolina because of a superficial blood clot. Dallas was 2-3 and ranked 27th in scoring defense, allowing 27.2 points per game. Washington was 1-3-1 after a 27-27 tie and was set to play San Francisco on Monday.
Those standings could leave the Giants with a path to the division title, but the team would still need to win enough games to secure a playoff place. Even if New York advances, Burdi’s comments do not amount to a medical clearance or a prediction that Dart will return. The available information supports only that a playoff appearance is possible, while the recovery period and risks remain relevant considerations.
