Malik Nabers: The Resilient Rookie Receiver of The New York Giants
New York Giants’ Rookie Receiver Cleared to Play Despite Knee Injury
Malik Nabers, the rookie wide receiver for the New York Giants, has been approved to participate in the upcoming Sunday match against the Washington Commanders, regardless of a knee injury he encountered during the week. Coach Brian Daboll assured, “There is no cause for worry. He’ll be in top shape to play,” ahead of the Friday practice session. Nabers, who was a full participant in Friday’s practice after being slightly limited the previous day, did not receive any specific label on the final injury report.
Concerns Over Nabers’ Health
Nabers’ health issue initially came to light when he felt something was off during Thursday’s practice session. The sixth overall pick in this year’s draft was not feeling his best. “He was like, ‘It’s not feeling right at the moment,'” shared Daboll. “We evaluated him and decided to play it safe. He got treatment early in the morning, and now he is good to go.”
An anonymous source revealed on Thursday that Nabers experienced a “slight tightness” in his leg during practice. However, this was not anticipated to be a significant concern. The media noted that Nabers was moving tenderly during a brief part of Friday’s practice, with a sleeve on his right leg.
Nabers’ Promising Start
In his professional debut, the rookie wide receiver secured five catches for 66 yards. Nabers felt positive after the game, even more confident than he did in the preseason, when he found things advancing swiftly.
“I took time to read the defense more, get lined up a little faster, and execute pretty good routes,” Nabers shared. The Giants, who are yet to register a win this season, are clear about their plans with the first-round pick.
High Expectations From Nabers
Nabers, 21, has been immediately given the responsibility of the No. 1 receiver role, and the expectations are high. In the season’s opener against the Minnesota Vikings, Nabers was targeted seven times. At one point, quarterback Daniel Jones aimed at him in four consecutive plays.
Daboll, the team’s play-caller, has a simple perspective about how to utilize Nabers. “Give him the ball,” he stated earlier this week.