Jaxson Dart Injury, Return Timeline Updated by Giants' John Harbaugh After QB's Knee Surgery

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh told reporters on Wednesday that Jaxson Dart's surgery for the damaged meniscus and MCL in his left knee "went well" but tempered any expectations about a potential playoff return.

"Maybe that's a little ambitious," he noted.

When it was first announced that Dart would require surgery, Harbaugh seemingly left open the possibility of a playoff return should the Giants qualify.

"I think I said it. I said it. Regular season," he told reporters last week about how long Dart was expected to be out. "Other than that, how do you know? It depends on the recovery. You can't pinpoint it."

"I think he's determined. He's bummed. It's hard," Harbaugh added of Dart. "The season is not over, but it is for him. We kind of talked about that [in the team meeting], too. That was part of it. That was part of the deal. With injuries, there is a certain mourning that takes place. Had the same thing for Calvin [Austin]. Same thing over the years because you realize how hard it is for a player really. But it's tough on the team. It's tough on all of us."

His replacement, Jameis Winston, has struggled in relief duty, throwing for 229 yards, no touchdowns and an interception in parts of two games, completing just 51 percent of his passes while taking five sacks.

The Giants did add some insurance at the position on Monday, however, landing former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. If the Giants are going to make the postseason, either Winston or McCarthy is going to have to lead the charge. And even then, don't expect to see Dart back on the field come January.