In 2024, it didn’t matter who threw Malik Nabers the ball – he just caught it. The New York Giants’ sixth-overall pick hauled in 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns while working with Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito, and Tim Boyle at quarterback.
He’s a bona fide superstar who figures to be a primary target for whoever lines up under center during the regular season. The only question heading into Saturday’s preseason matchup is how much time he’ll actually see on the field.
Will Malik Nabers See the Field Against Buffalo on Saturday?
Giants head coach Brian Daboll has been non-committal about how many starters will play Saturday against the Buffalo Bills. However, he has a history of limiting starter participation during the preseason.
During a video call Tuesday, Daboll explained his approach: “I think it’s different for every team and I’ve done a lot of research in terms of teams the last few years and coaches, veteran coaches and what they’ve done and go back to, I worked for some people that have pretty success and how we did it.”
Meanwhile, the players, especially quarterback Russell Wilson, want to see the field.
“I always want to be out there with my teammates, man,” Wilson said. “I’m excited to get going, if Coach lets us play or whatever it is, I’m ready to go. I’m ready to play.”
Wilson views preseason as “a great opportunity to prepare.”
“Everything is about preparation, right?” Wilson said. “Everything’s about mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, how you get ready, what do you eat before the game? To what you’re listening to, to putting your cleats on for the first time again, and the fans being there and putting your shoulder pads on – that part of it, the joy of that.
“You never lose that joy, and I think that’s the part that you embrace. I think also the camaraderie of being in the huddle, it’s third-and-seven, ‘We got to get this one.'”
This approach doesn’t suggest Nabers or any of the Giants’ key starters will see significant action against Buffalo on Saturday. That means Nabers and Wilson will likely see minimal, if any, playing time. There’s no indication whether the starters will even dress for the game.
Instead, Jaxson Dart is expected to get an extended look at quarterback against the Bills. The Giants enter a high-stakes 2025 season for both Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. Both find themselves on the hot seat following the Giants’ disappointing 3-14 finish in 2024.
