The last thing the New York Giants want is a worrying change to the injury status of star wide receiver Malik Nabers, but the team isn’t going to change its plans after the sixth player taken in the 2024 NFL draft underwent a second surgery.
Nabers needed another procedure “to remove scar tissue that was causing stiffness, according to sources,” per Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Fortunately, the latter also revealed “the second surgery took place ‘multiple weeks ago’ and it was described as a ‘clean up.’ This second surgery isn’t expected to impact Nabers’ recovery timeline. The team is still hoping the No. 1 WR will be ready for the opener. Nabers first underwent ACL and meniscus surgery on Oct. 28.”
I’m told the second surgery took place “multiple weeks ago” and it was described as a “clean up.” This second surgery isn’t expected to impact
This isn’t the first time concern has been raised about Nabers’ return date, but Duggan’s note about the Giants still being optimistic Nabers will suit up against NFC East rivals the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 is significant news. He remains the obvious go-to target among second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart’s receivers, so Nabers will be key to the development of a new-look offense designed and called by veteran coordinators Matt Nagy and Greg Roman.
They need Nabers fully recovered from the injury that curtailed his second season in the pros, but the Giants do at least look better-equipped to survive without him, after adding some notable playmakers to the passing game this offseason.
Second Surgery a Concern for Malik Nabers
Despite Duggan framing this second surgery as something of a routine or precautionary measure, another operation naturally prompts some concern about Nabers’ longevity. Particularly when he’s been out of football since Week 4 of last season.
The injury he suffered during an otherwise creditable win over the Los Angeles Chargers on September 28 can impact the core qualities of Nabers’ game. Traits like his acceleration, as well as the capability to cut quickly and stay elusive out of his breaks.
Those are some of the things Nabers does as well as any top wideout in the NFL. It’s why the 22-year-old is the one member of the Giants‘ receiver corps opposing teams genuinely fear.
Finding a player to pick up that slack won’t be easy if Nabers endures another setback or is simply unable to meet the Giants target return date.
Giants Have New Pass-Catchers Ready to Step Up
Reducing their reliance on Nabers was no doubt one of the factors that prompted the Giants to hand a deal worth up to $47.5 million to tight end Isaiah Likely in free agency.
Likely knows new head coach John Harbaugh well from their time with the Baltimore Ravens. Harbaugh knows all about Likely’s upside as a roving mismatch.
Adding Likely wasn’t the only bold move Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen made to put more options into the receiver room. They also traded up to select Malachi Fields in the third round of this year’s draft.
The 6-foot-4, 222-pounder is already tipped for big things as a rookie. Fields can add a different dimension to Dart’s supporting cast, as a legitimate vertical threat, although there are concerns about the nuances of the former Notre Dame star’s skill-set.
Any broader concerns about the Giants’ pass-catchers will be eased if the team’s expected schedule for Nabers’ recovery goes to plan.
Giants’ Malik Nabers Plan Revealed After Second Surgery Update