Malik Nabers’ second NFL season did not follow the script anyone expected. After a historic rookie season, the New York Giants’ young wide receiver saw his momentum halted by a knee injury just weeks into this campaign. While it sidelined him for most of the season and frustrated fans and fantasy football managers alike, Nabers has chosen to face the disappointment with humor and a long-term mindset as he works his way back to full health.
Malik Nabers Stars in an IHOP ad
Rather than shying away from a tough year, Malik Nabers leaned into it. The wideout recently appeared in a new IHOP commercial that playfully acknowledges how his injury derailed fantasy football seasons across the country.
The self-deprecating ad pokes fun at the frustration of managers who drafted him, expecting elite production, only to see their lineups suffer after his early exit. By embracing the joke, Nabers showed a level of self-awareness and confidence that resonated with viewers, even those still bitter about their fantasy records.
This @IHOP Malik Nabers fantasy football commercial is really well done — and very accurate. 😂 pic.twitter.com/dqqZHBQbTX
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 25, 2025
Behind the humor, however, is a carefully managed recovery process. Nabers underwent surgery in October to repair his torn ACL in his right knee. The procedure was performed by Dr. Daniel E. Cooper and, according to reports, was considered a success. The Giants intentionally waited before moving forward with the surgery, allowing swelling to subside and giving Nabers time to complete several weeks of prehabilitation to strengthen the knee beforehand.
The injury itself occurred during a Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Nabers went up for a play and reached for his right knee while still in midair. The severity was apparent almost immediately. According to ESPN, Giants coach Brian Daboll later noted that Nabers remained consistently present at the team facility throughout his rehabilitation process.
Because the injury happened so early in the season, there was no urgency to rush either the surgery or the recovery timeline. ACL injuries typically require around nine months of rehabilitation, and the expectation is that Nabers will be ready well before the start of next season in September. His age and work ethic both work in his favor as he continues the long road back.
As a rookie, the sixth overall pick out of LSU delivered a franchise-record season, hauling in 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. He followed that with a strong start to his sophomore year, posting 18 catches for 271 yards and two touchdowns in four games before the injury. In those contests, PFSN’s Wide Receiver Impact metric gave him a score of 77.3 with a C+ rating.
