New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers is coming off a dominant rookie campaign that saw him catch 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. Now, after the Giants added Russell Wilson (and promising rookie Jaxson Dart) under center, the hope is that the wide receiver can take his game to another level in his sophomore season.
However, Nabers can only top his outstanding rookie year if he’s on the field. What’s the latest on Nabers’ injury status, how did the Giants wideout get hurt, and is he in jeopardy of missing Week 1?
What’s the Latest on Malik Nabers’ Injury?
Nabers battled back and shoulder injuries throughout training camp, while also dealing with a toe injury that he’s had since college. He initially refused to go into detail about his injuries, raising some uncertainty about his Week 1 availability.
However, Nabers recently spoke to the media and confirmed that he will be ready for the Giants’ season opener against the Washington Commanders.
“I feel good,” Nabers said. “I know it’s been a little ride, but right now, I feel good… I feel like I’m always ready. When it’s game time with those lights on, I believe my body is going to turn it on. He’s going to be ready to roll.”
Nabers added that his injury is a “minor thing,” which is exactly what Giants fans and fantasy managers wanted to hear.
The fact that he recently returned to practice quieted concerns about his availability, though fans and fantasy managers are still monitoring his practice reports closely to ensure he doesn’t experience a setback.
Nabers’ Week 1 Fantasy Outlook
It’s easy to fall in love with Nabers’ talent, and just as easy to fret about the QB situation that awaits him this season. That said, he spent last season proving to us that the former trumps the latter, and there’s no real reason to think this season will be any different.
During his standout rookie campaign, Nabers earned 29 targets on 55 routes against the Commanders (19 catches for 186 yards and a score). I was taking Nico Collins and Brian Thomas Jr. over him this summer, but don’t take that as me suggesting that you should do anything crazy this week.
Or any week.
Nabers is the real deal and on the short list of receivers that, in four months, could be considered a Tier 1 option at the position. You’re playing him every week. My larger concern for those with Nabers rostered is that his production is somewhat front-loaded this season, particularly during the Russell Wilson era under center.
We can cross that bridge when we get to it. Still, there’s a real chance that Nabers’ name pops up on my sell-high radar in early October, understanding that, if productive, he’ll return a haul in a deal and position you better for when all of the chips are in the middle of the table.
