What happened: Sources told ESPN further testing on Dart's knee showed more damage than first believed. Initial word of a couple weeks has shifted to an extended absence for the New York Giants starter. The setback follows him clutching his left knee and walking off in the 28-6 final.

Why it matters: Losing a starting quarterback for weeks in the regular season stalls any offensive rhythm. The New York Giants have no recent data of winning without Dart under center. Rushing him back risks both this season and his long term future, so a full shutdown is smarter.