Fully healthy coming out of last week’s game, New York Giants WR Malik Nabers popped up on Thursday’s practice report with a knee issue. What do we know about Nabers’ injury?
Is it likely to affect his Week 2 status? How should fantasy football managers respond?
Latest Injury Update on Malik Nabers
To quote Michael Scott, “No! God! No! God! Please! No!” Don’t take Malik Nabers from us.
The Giants’ first-round wide receiver had a solid, if unspectacular debut last week, hauling in five receptions for 66 yards. The uber-talented LSU product was heavily involved early and looks every bit the part of a future elite WR1.
This Week 2 divisional showdown against the Washington Commanders has all the makings of Nabers’ breakout performance. The Commanders were historically bad against the pass last season, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
Their efforts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1 suggest this defensive unit hasn’t gotten much better. Nabers is set up to smash.
Unfortunately, fantasy managers will have to pump the brakes on their enthusiasm, at least for now, as Nabers is now dealing with a knee issue. Nabers being limited at Thursday’s practice would not normally be much of a concern. However, Nabers was not listed on Wednesday’s practice report, indicating he picked up the injury at Thursday’s practice.
Malik Nabers popped up on injury report as limited with a knee injury. That means he was hurt in practice. He seemed a little off today.
This is absolutely worth monitoring and could be a huge blow this late in week. #Giants
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 12, 2024
We have yet to hear from Nabers or head coach Brian Daboll regarding any specifics. Hughes describing Nabers as seeming “a little off” could be interpreted either way.
Will Nabers Play This Week?
Friday’s practice report will be telling. If Nabers doesn’t participate at all, he’s almost certainly not going to play on Sunday. If he can get in another limited session, he will likely draw a questionable tag, but I would be far more optimistic about his chances.
As of now, we simply do not have enough information to make a prediction one way or the other. However, this report is nothing if not concerning.
#Giants WR Malik Nabers was acting not like himself in the locker room today. Some players were asking him how he was. Now we know why: he’s now on the injury report as limited with a knee injury
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) September 12, 2024
Update:Â It appears we can turn off the alarms on Nabers. According to this report from Art Stapleton, longtime Giants beat reporter, it’s nothing more than some standard soreness. With this report, I am willing to render a prediction and say Nabers plays and plays well this week.
Not sensing much concern regarding Giants rookie WR Malik Nabers’ status right now after being listed as limited in practice with a knee issue. Sounds like they just cut back on typical number of reps today due to some soreness, so being proactive with a very important player.
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) September 12, 2024
Who Are the Other Fantasy Options To Consider on the Giants?
We already know what the Giants’ WR situation looks like without an alpha. Just go back one year to see. It was a situation to avoid for fantasy.
We’ve seen Darius Slayton have useful games in the past, but never consistently. Also, he’s still working his way through the concussion protocol and is no lock to play on Sunday.
The only pass-catcher that should garner the attention of fantasy managers is Wan’Dale Robinson.
The third-year receiver earned a team-high 12 targets in the Giants’ loss to the Vikings last week. Robinson doesn’t do anything downfield, limiting his value to PPR leagues. However, he would be the heavy favorite to lead the Giants in targets if Nabers can’t go.
It would truly be devastating for Nabers to be forced to miss what may very well be the best matchup he faces all season. That is also a reason to consider Robinson as a WR3/Flex. Daniel Jones may not have any other choice but to pepper Robinson with targets.