Giants' Malik Nabers shares one-word admission about return from injury

Before the New York Giants opened the 2026 season with a 28-20 Week 1 win over the rival Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 13, Giants star wide receiver Malik Nabers hadn't played in a meaningful game since he suffered a torn ACL and torn meniscus on Sept. 28, 2025.

While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Nabers shared an honest assessment of his performance against the Cowboys.

Malik Nabers knows he's still "rusty" 

"I'm rusty," Nabers admitted about what he saw during game-film reviews, per the Giants' website. "I'm rusty." 

When asked to expand on that, Nabers mentioned that he saw himself "slipping" and "falling" during portions of the contest. He lost his footing at least a couple of times on the MetLife Stadium turf that players routinely criticize.

It's now no secret that Nabers had to clear a mental hurdle to decide that he was ready to play against the Cowboys after he needed a "clean-up" procedure related to his knee injury. Against Dallas, he tallied six receptions for 69 yards.

On Thursday, Nabers revealed that he was "a little sore, but manageable." That said, he also insisted there is no question that he plans to play in the upcoming "Monday Night Football" game at the 0-1 Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 21.

Malik Nabers insists Giants are "humble" after win over Cowboys

Numerous members of the NFL community have given the Giants and quarterback Jaxson Dart figurative flowers after Big Blue earned an upset win in front of a prime-time television audience. However, New York next has to face a Rams side that began Week 1 as the heavy favorite to win Super Bowl LXI in February 2027 before it suffered a 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Rams as the betting favorites at +670 to win Super Bowl LXI. The Buffalo Bills were second on the list at +850 odds. 

"Just trying to get another win, stack another win up," Nabers said when asked whether going up against the Rams could prove to be a statement game for the Giants. "We got the win, but we're very humble about it. And we know we've got to – because week after week is going to be another game, another challenge, another defense, another scheme. So, we're just locking in on knowing what we've got to do, doing what we have to do. That's really it. I feel like we'll take care of ourselves. If we do what we're supposed to do, we'll win." 

On Friday, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Giants as seven-point road underdogs against the Rams.