Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young offered a public message of support after a play he was part of forced New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart to leave Monday night's game with a left knee injury.
On third-and-8 of New York's opening drive at SoFi Stadium, Young and outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart closed on Dart as he released a pass. The collision bent Dart's left knee awkwardly. He grabbed his knee immediately, stayed on the turf while trainers checked him, then walked off under his own power. The Giants lost, 28-6.
Young later posted a slow-motion clip of the play on Instagram and wrote, "Never play to hurt anybody. I pray for a healthy recovery."
The well wishes arrived as the medical picture grew more complicated. Initial exams
suggested a sprained MCL and a possible absence of two to four weeks. An MRI on Tuesday showed more damage than first believed.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Dart could face season-ending surgery, while head coach John Harbaugh said evaluations were still underway and that no final decision had been made.
On Wednesday, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Dart did not tear his ACL. However, the injury remains significant, and a season-ending timeline is still possible. The Giants have not publicly identified every structure involved and have not announced a timetable.
Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns in a Week 1 win over Dallas. Veteran Jameis Winston is expected to start while New York waits on a treatment plan.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Rams' Byron Young sends message after play that injured Jaxson Dart
