Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has reportedly impressed New York Giants fans during training camp, showcasing strong form despite previous uncertainties surrounding his availability for the Week 1 opener against the Dallas Cowboys on "Sunday Night Football."
Following a recent practice session where Nabers participated without a red non-contact jersey, head coach John Harbaugh offered a positive assessment regarding the 2024 first-round pick's prospects for the beginning of the season.
Encouraging Update on Wide Receiver's Return
Speaking to reporters, Harbaugh indicated it is "reasonable to assume" that Nabers is progressing toward being available for the Giants right from the start of the season. This marks a significant development for the wide receiver, who sustained a torn right ACL and meniscus damage in Week 4 of his last collegiate season.
Harbaugh observed Nabers' performance, noting, "Probably moving the best we’ve seen him look." Nabers was seen in a standard white jersey, participating in 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills alongside his fellow receivers.
The coach also expressed comfort with the idea of Nabers engaging in "very reasonable" contact with defenders during practice sessions.
"Those are all kind of things that you can assume," Harbaugh stated when asked about Nabers' Week 1 availability. "It’s just based on watching the guy practice. The only thing I know more than you guys know is what the docs and the trainers tell me, as far as his rehab. And that’s doing well. He’s doing really well with that. He’s strong. He’s in a good place."
Although the Giants' practice was not fully padded, Nabers had been frequently seen wearing a red non-contact uniform in prior sessions.
Progress in Practice and Coach's Assessment
Nabers' transition out of the non-contact jersey aligns with Harbaugh's strategic plan for the team's top pass-catching option. The coach emphasized his desire to avoid a sudden leap from no contact to full 100% engagement at the season's outset.
From Nabers' own perspective, he shared his intense desire to return to the field last week, remarking, "my soul has been dead for so long." He also mentioned feeling the "dog" within him reawakening, highlighting his upward trajectory since his initial training camp practice where his route running surprised many observers.
It is not anticipated that Nabers will feature in the Giants’ final preseason game against the New York Jets this week, nor will the teams hold joint practices. Therefore, Nabers' continued preparation for Week 1 will involve ongoing work with his teammates.
Despite this, the foundation for his return appears solid, and the former LSU standout continues to meet expectations set by his new head coach.
"I thought he looked good. Look at the tape later, but he was moving well. …It was a good practice for him today," Harbaugh commented.
Anticipation Builds for Season Opener
Nabers has already begun to forge a strong connection with quarterback Jaxson Dart, though their time together on the field was limited to just one quarter during Dart's first career start before Nabers' knee injury.
Giants fans are eagerly anticipating the potential of Dart, who recorded 24 total touchdowns in 14 games last season, and Nabers, who amassed 1,204 receiving yards in 15 games during his final collegiate year, performing together over a full 17-game schedule.
The Giants are scheduled to face the Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on September 13, in a primetime matchup kicking off at 8:20 p.m. ET.
