Giants WR Malik Nabers Uncertain Of Week 1 Availability

“I feel pretty good. I feel real good to be honest,” Nabers said (via ESPN’s Jordan Raanan). “Like I said, you’re going to feel good but there’s still some things that you’re going to have to check off the box for you to participate. So I’m still going through that, still listening to the trainer, still listening to doctors and sharing everything with them.”

Nabers has been able to take part in team drills this summer. He was recently cleared for full-contact work, an encouraging step toward being able to play on September 13. The 23-year-old has spent the offseason recovering from the ACL and meniscus tear which ended his second NFL campaign after just four games. Multiple surgeries have taken place since, and Nabers noted he is unsure if he will immediately return to his pre-injury form.

Over the long term, however, the former No. 6 pick is confident he will be able to reprise his role as the Giants’ top target in the passing game. Managing to do so while avoiding further injuries would be critical for New York’s offense. Nabers was a Pro Bowler and finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 after posting a 109-1,204-7 statline. Having been targeted 205 times in 19 career games, a heavy workload can be expected once Nabers is back in the fold.

The Giants retained veterans Darius Slayton and Odell Beckham Jr. during roster cuts this weekend. They are in line to handle rotational roles as a result, while Jalin Hyatt was waived but signed to New York’s practice squad as part of yesterday’s moves. Calvin Austin recently suffered an ACL tear, ending his debut Giants campaign before it ended. A substantial reliance on Nabers should be in store for 2026, although it remains to be seen when he will make his first appearance of the season.