What happened: Jaxson Dart is expected to undergo knee surgery that ends his 2026 season. McCarthy arrives to The move drew sharp fan criticism tied to Malik Nabers' outlook.
Why it matters: Losing a starting quarterback for the season forces New York to reset its passing operation early in the 2026 regular season. The fifth-round cost keeps the backup investment low while preserving future picks. Nabers' production is directly tied to stability at quarterback during that stretch.
By the numbers: Dart: out for regular season after knee surgery. Giants beat Cowboys 28-20 Sept. 14; edged Titans 12-7 Sept. 28.
What to watch: Watch McCarthy's practice availability and game status for Week 4. Watch for a Nabers shoulder update.