Giants Could Be Without Nabers vs. Bucs

Nabers popped up on Friday’s injury report with a groin injury, a grim sign for his participation on Sunday.

For now, though, he remains questionable.

DID NOT PARTICIPATE

• Linebacker Micah McFadden (Heel, QUESTIONABLE)
• Receiver Malik Nabers (Groin, QUESTIONABLE)

LIMITED

• Receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles, QUESTIONABLE)
• Linebacker Darius Muasau (Hamstring, QUESTIONABLE)
• Defensive Tackle Dexter Lawrence (Knee)
• Safety Tyler Nubin (Back)

FULL

• Linebacker Matthew Adams (Knee)
• Tight End Theo Johnson (Back)
• Cornerback Dru Phillips (Hip)
• Guard Greg Van Roten (Abdomen)
• Receiver Darius Slayton (Concussion)

Needless to say, a Nabers absence would likely prove fatal for a Giants offense that’s scrambling to find competence, much less competitiveness.

Nabers can impact every level of the field and turn a six-yard screen into a 60-yard touchdown. With DeVito under center, that becomes all the more important. He’s the engine of the offense and the best healthy player New York has on that side of the ball. The path to explosive plays is made more difficult by his injury, and Tampa Bay’s aggressive defense is licking its chops at the opportunity.

However, he’s not officially out, nor is McFadden, who was also added on Friday.

Elsewhere, New York’s news ranges from customary to promising. There’s no need for Lawrence to practice, and Slayton has long been cleared from concussion protocol.

Both rookies, Johnson and Phillips, should be good to go for Sunday as well, and Van Roten will help the Giants put forth the same combo up front for two consecutive games.

Coming off the bye week, New York is relatively healthy. But how much that matters lies entirely on Nabers’ status as Sunday nears.