Malik Nabers spent more time on the injury report than anyone wanted during his rookie year with the New York Giants. Those health concerns followed him into the 2025 offseason, creating real doubt about whether he’d be ready when the Giants face the Washington Commanders in Week 1.
But despite the setbacks, the talented receiver put together an impressive debut season that has everyone excited about what’s possible in 2025-26 with Russell Wilson throwing him the ball.
What Happened to Malik Nabers?
During training camp, Nabers was reportedly dealing with back and shoulder injuries. However, his toe injury, which had persisted since his college days at LSU, also troubled the young receiver. Coupled with initially vague updates from the wide receiver, many believed he might not be ready in time for their season opener. Notably, he also missed all preseason games.
#Giants WR Malik Nabers back at practice, getting reps in while equipment staff adjusts his helmet pic.twitter.com/vMlJUD6tCc
— Madelyn Burke (@MadelynBurke) August 19, 2025
Speaking to the media about his injuries and status, Nabers said:
“I feel good. 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.”
He confirmed that his injuries were minor. The toe issue has been particularly persistent. In an earlier interview, Nabers described the injury as something he just couldn’t shake.
“It’s like a mosquito that don’t want to go away,” Nabers explained in June. “I’m trying to shoo it away. But I’ve been doing a great job with Russell (Wilson), trainers, you know, I’ve been using his physical therapist guys.”
“I’ve been doing an excellent job of just staying on track of it and having his people, having my people, all together, trying to work on keeping me as healthy as possible,” He continued. “We’re moving in the right direction. We’re just staying on top of it so it don’t give me any problems later on down the line.”
Though many have flagged persistent injuries as concerning, Nabers is clearly focusing on safe recovery while planning for a healthy sophomore season.
Will Nabers Play Against the Commanders?
Nabers again missed practice on Friday because of back tightness, but is ready to play against the Commanders. “Giants WR Malik Nabers, who missed practice Friday because of back tightness, has no game status and is expected to play Sunday vs. Washington,” wrote NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
#Giants WR Malik Nabers, who was limited at times in camp with a toe issue, isn’t on the initial injury report, putting him on track to play Sunday vs. Washington.
LT Andrew Thomas (foot) was limited.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 3, 2025
The 22-year-old was off the initial injury report, indicating that he’s more than ready to kick off his season in Week 1.
Speaking to reporters after practice on Wednesday, Nabers admitted he feels less anxious entering his second season, calling it “just another year in the league.” He’s focused on building on last year’s success and moving forward, with his top priority being to stay “as healthy as possible.”
Those injury concerns haven’t defined his career so far. No injury prevented Nabers from having a successful rookie campaign, with 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns.
Additionally, Nabers has some history against Washington. He played two games against the Commanders last season. He combined for 19 catches (on 29 targets) for 186 yards and one touchdown.
The Week 1 matchup between the Giants and Commanders is set for Sept. 7 at 1:00 p.m. EST at Northwest Stadium in Maryland.
Nabers’ Fantasy Outlook for Week 1
It’s easy to be wowed by Malik Nabers’ talent, and just as easy to worry about the quarterback situation he’ll face this season. But last year, he proved that his talent outweighs the uncertainty, and there’s no real reason to think this year will be any different.
In his stellar rookie season, Nabers drew 29 targets on 55 routes against the Commanders, catching 19 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown. I ranked Nico Collins and Brian Thomas Jr. ahead of him this summer, but that’s not a suggestion to make any drastic moves with Nabers in your lineup.
Or any week, for that matter.
Nabers is the real deal and could easily emerge as a Tier 1 receiver by season’s end. He’s a weekly starter. The bigger concern for fantasy managers is that his production may be somewhat front-loaded this year, particularly during the Russell Wilson-led stretch at quarterback.
We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, but there’s a real chance Nabers lands on sell-high radar in early October. If he’s producing, he could net a massive return in a trade, one that positions you perfectly for when all the chips are on the table later in the season.
