'Freak accidents' hurting NFL stars - what next for Dart and Daniels?

What will Jaxson Dart's season-ending injury mean for him and John Harbaugh's New York Giants? And what next for the Washington Commanders and Jayden Daniels?; listen to Inside the Huddle podcast with Neil Reynolds, Phoebe Schecter and Jeff Reinebold throughout the 2026 NFL season

Sky Sports NFL's Phoebe Schecter has raised concerns over the future of Jaxson Dart and Jayden Daniels after serious injury setbacks for the respective New York Giants and Washington Commanders quarterbacks.

Dart was ruled out for the remainder of the season this week after suffering a knee injury on the first drive of Monday night's defeat to the Los Angeles Rams.

A day earlier Daniels was forced off when he dislocated his left elbow in Washington's defeat to the Dallas Cowboys, having missed 10 games last season.

Their absence could yet see to both teams finding themselves in position to target another quarterback at next year's NFL Draft.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

"It is something to watch," Schecter said of their uncertain future on Inside the Huddle. "And I think what's so unique about all of that the implications are so much bigger, right?

"There's a high chance with this happening to both quarterbacks that they could end up picking first when it comes to a draft and who you're looking at - you're probably looking at a quarterback. So how does that relationship work?

"Because you've got two young quarterbacks as your starting quarterbacks. Are you saying you don't believe in them? Do they become the Sam Darnolds of the world and then they go on to just be travellers among the teams? What does that mean for the other teams who actually need a quarterback who keep missing out on these opportunities?

"It's kind of this incredible butterfly effect, knock on ultimately that could happen."

The Giants had cut a reinvigorated figure after starting life under first-year head coach John Harbaugh with a statement win over the Dallas Cowboys, Dart seemingly spearheading an exciting new chapter for a young New York team.

That excitement was swiftly and ruthlessly dashed on Monday, veteran Jameis Winston now set to take the reins under center.

According to ESPN stats, Dart, wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo have only shared the field for 3.5 per cent of the Giants' offensive plays over the last two seasons, equating to 43 of 1,208.

"Jaxson Dart plays a certain way that he puts himself in harm's way," said Neil Reynolds. "Now, that's not what happened with the injury, ironically this time, but he is a regular visitor to the Blue Tent.

"And Jayden Daniels, we still have those questions about whether he's built to withstand this, so I don't think anyone would question their skill, but can have all the skill in the world. It does you no good if you're on the sideline for nine games every season.

"We haven't had a Super Bowl yet [which has been] kind of ruined at the last minute by a backup coming in. Now Nick Foles had to come off the bench to lead Philadelphia, but we've had a couple of championship games now where they've been completely taken over by a backup quarterback story.

"Jarrett Stidham last year with the Denver Broncos, Brock Purdy went down for the San Francisco 49ers. So the NFL is losing its biggest stars. We want Caleb Williams on the field. We want Jayden Daniels on the field."

Chicago Bears quarterback Williams was another major casualty on Sunday as he was carted off with a hamstring injury in his side's 9-3 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings. Backup Tyson Bagent has meanwhile been placed in the concussion protocol, meaning 38-year-old Case Keenum could start for the Bears against the Eagles in Monday Night Football.

"Now you're going to your third string quarterback and you know, [head coach] Ben Johnson said it's open to anybody, but there is no sport without having a starting quarterback," Schecter continued.

"They've brought in more and more rules to try and protect the quarterback, but this isn't even about that. These are just kind of freak odd accidents that are happening.

"With Jayden Daniels he's a very small-framed person. And that's part of what makes him so good at what he does. But it's also a bit of a concern. I almost think why wouldn't you have just worn a brace knowing that it dislocated already

"There's way more questions, but also look at our first two weeks of the season. We're missing four starting quarterbacks already."

Watch the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, including every minute of the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on Sunday February 14, 2027. Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free with NOW.