Fans gathered early on Tuesday at the Giants-Jets joint practice hoping to see Malik Nabers perform, but the Pro Bowl wide receiver stayed off the field, focusing on rehab instead. Head coach Brian Daboll confirmed Nabers was resting during the session, leaving uncertainty about the extent of the injury.
The 23-year-old receiver’s toe injury, originating from his college days at LSU, has persisted through training camp, causing him to miss multiple practices and sit out the preseason opener in Buffalo. This ongoing issue raises concerns over his availability for the remainder of the preseason and beyond.
Ongoing Injury Threatens Participation in Upcoming Games
Nabers’ continued absence is more than routine rest; it suggests a cautious approach by the Giants due to the delicate nature of toe injuries for a player relying heavily on agility and speed. After showing promise during the early camp drills, Nabers has since limited his contact, even avoiding competitive reps against defenders.
On August 6, he restricted his practice to red-zone drills without engaging in physical contact. Daboll has refrained from labeling the injury severe but acknowledges the need for careful management, especially considering Nabers set franchise records last season with 109 receptions, 1,204 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns.
Though there have been talks about possible surgery, no operation has been scheduled, and the Giants remain focused on rest and rehabilitation to prepare Nabers for the regular season while balancing the loss of valuable practice time with quarterback Daniel Jones.
Additional Players Also Missing Practice Amid Competitive Session
Malik Nabers is not the only key player absent during the joint practice. Wide receiver Jalin Hyatt is sidelined due to an undisclosed injury, and running back Cam Skattebo, guard Evan Neal, cornerback Dru Phillips, and wide receiver Da’Quon Felton also sat out the drills. This accumulates to a growing injury list affecting the Giants’ depth.
Head coach Brian Daboll emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline during the intense joint session, stating,
“We want to stay healthy, and we want to keep the Jets healthy,”
underscoring the priority of player safety in a physical environment.
Fan Anxiety Grows as Season Opener Approaches
For Giants supporters, the critical concern centers on whether Malik Nabers will fully recover in time for Week 1. His absence from practice fuels speculation and worry, highlighting the tension between preserving his health and ensuring he gains enough game experience this preseason. The team‘s careful handling of his toe injury reflects the fine balance necessary to protect their star wideout’s long-term potential.