New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers has been cleared to play in the team's season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, providing a significant boost to a receiving unit that has faced questions regarding its depth.
Nabers, who was initially listed as questionable, practiced fully throughout the week. Head coach John Harbaugh indicated midweek that the receiver appeared "ready to go" after completing the team's summer rehabilitation program. The extent to which Nabers will participate in terms of snaps remains a point of consideration.
Nabers himself was reserved about his immediate status, emphasizing the importance of considering his long-term career. "It's my career. It's my body," Nabers stated on Thursday. "I know when I'm able to play, and I know when I'm able to do what I want to do. So, everybody has to live with the decision on what I want to do with my career."
His teammate and mentor, Odell Beckham Jr., echoed these sentiments, noting that teams can move on from players if injuries occur. Beckham Jr. suggested that risking a re-injury could place a player's career "not necessarily in his hands," implying that the locker room might have understood Nabers' reservations if he had opted to sit out.
A league source familiar with Nabers since his draft prospect days suggested that he would likely not respond positively to feeling pressured into playing before he feels ready. This approach was contrasted with Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, who expressed willingness to play in Week 1 even if his ankle was not at full strength, if the coaches desired.
Nabers' availability is crucial for a Giants team that entered Sunday with a receiver room including Darnell Mooney, rookie Malachi Fields, Odell Beckham Jr. following a year-long layoff, Dalen Cambre, and practice-squad elevation Braxton Berrios.
The situation also brings renewed attention to the team's decision last week to release four-time team leader in receiving yards Darius Slayton, a move made to save $3.2 million in salary-cap space. Coach Harbaugh had stated that Slayton did not appear fully recovered from offseason sports hernia surgery on both legs and also cited a history of drops.
However, Slayton demonstrated his capabilities in a preseason game against the Dolphins, recording four catches for 58 yards.