The absence of Malik Nabers during the New York Giants’ spring workouts generated a lot of outside concern.
At the time, the head coach, Brian Daboll, assured everybody that there was nothing to be worried about. Nabers was out as he dealt with a toe injury, but the team confirmed they were just being cautious. When training camp rolled around, Nabers was expected to be on the field.
So far, that’s been the case. Through two practice sessions, Nabers has been on the field, making dominant plays as if nothing’s bothering him. While Nabers claims he feels good as he gets back into the swing of things, there is no guarantee the toe-related concerns will totally go away.
“The toe is good. In spring, we had a great rehab to try to get me back. So, I’m back, feeling good, feeling a little bit better, and healthy. Out there, overall, I feel good,” Nabers told reporters this week.
Head coach Brian Daboll and Malik Nabers #1 of the New York Giants talk during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on July 24, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Head coach Brian Daboll and Malik Nabers #1 of the New York Giants talk during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on July 24, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Ishika Samant/Getty Images
“I think we’ve got a great plan going on with it day by day. That’s probably it.”
Sometimes, for players, rehab is simply not enough. In Nabers’ case, that’s been the only plan at this point.
“[Surgery] is not up in the air,” he claimed. “Decisions will be made when the time is made. Right now, I’m just focusing on locking in and getting ready for the season. Being out there with my guys, it felt good to get out there and run around.”
While Nabers and the Giants ultimately decided that surgery is not necessary, it was never totally off the table. The second-year pass-catcher admitted that there was a discussion centered around the idea of getting a medical procedure done.
“It’s been a talk about [surgery],” Nabers said. “It just never really came to a complete thought in my mind for me to do it.”
As long as Nabers can remain on the same path with his recovery, without showing any regressions, then he’ll have a good chance of eliminating the possibility of missing time due to a procedure.
“I’ve been managing it well,” he finished. “I’ve been running around and feeling pretty good. Everything has been going good with the rehab. My toe is feeling better, and I’m just happy to be out there with my guys now.”
After a standout season in Giants blue, Nabers is expected to play a major role on the offense once again. In 15 games, he caught 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. As long as his setback doesn’t take him off the field, he should be in line for another big season as an NFL sophomore.
For more New York Giants and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.