The New York Giants saw several key players return to practice on Tuesday, including wide receiver Malik Nabers, who had been sidelined for nearly two weeks due to a minor back injury. Nabers’ return marks a positive step as the team prepares for upcoming games, with expectations high after his standout rookie season.
Injury history and rookie year highlights for Malik Nabers
Before dealing with the recent back issue, Nabers missed time in spring because of a toe injury, and he also sat out practice sessions after sustaining a shoulder injury early in training camp. Despite these setbacks, Nabers broke the Giants’ single-season receptions record in 2024 after being chosen sixth overall in the NFL Draft. He caught 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns, and tied Odell Beckham Jr.’s record for the fastest to 100 receptions, achieving it in the 14th game of the season. Nabers played in all but two games, missing time only due to a concussion in Week 4, and was named a Pro Bowl selection for his performance.
Additional players return to Giants practice
Alongside Malik Nabers, offensive tackle Andrew Thomas and rookie running back Cam Skattebo also returned to practice. Thomas, a 2022 second-team All-Pro, recently came off the physically unable to perform list after clearing a physical exam. His absence was due to Lisfranc surgery sustained in Week 6 last season, which kept him from practicing all summer. Meanwhile, Skattebo, the Giants’ fourth-round draft pick in April, has been recovering from a hamstring injury sustained several weeks ago.
Implications of the returning players for the Giants’ season
The return of Malik Nabers, Andrew Thomas, and Cam Skattebo to practice offers a much-needed boost for the Giants as they aim to improve their roster health and on-field performance. Nabers’ presence is especially crucial given his record-setting rookie achievements and role in the offense. Thomas’ recovery from surgery and Skattebo’s return provide depth and opportunities for the Giants to strengthen their squad moving forward.