New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers is progressing well in training camp and is trending toward being available for the team's Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, according to head coach John Harbaugh.
Nabers, the Giants' first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has participated in drills without a non-contact jersey, a positive sign for his recovery from a torn right ACL and meniscus damage suffered in Week 4 of the previous season. Harbaugh stated on Monday that it is "reasonable to assume" Nabers will be ready for the start of the season.
"Probably moving the best we’ve seen him look," Harbaugh said of Nabers, who was seen participating in 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills alongside his teammates in a regular white jersey. Harbaugh indicated that he would be comfortable seeing Nabers engage in "very reasonable" contact during practice.
Nabers himself has expressed eagerness to return, stating recently that "my soul has been dead for so long" and that a "dog" within him is beginning to awaken. His performance in recent practices has reportedly impressed observers, with positive evaluations of his movement in and out of routes.
While Nabers is not expected to play in the Giants' final preseason game against the New York Jets, his continued progress in camp is meeting expectations. Harbaugh noted after a recent practice that Nabers "looked good" and was "moving well."
The chemistry between Nabers and quarterback Jaxson Dart is also a point of interest for the Giants. Despite only having limited time together before Nabers' injury last season, fans anticipate seeing their connection over a full 17-game schedule. Dart threw for 24 total touchdowns in 14 games last season, while Nabers recorded 1,204 receiving yards in 15 games during his rookie year in 2024.
The Giants are scheduled to face the Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on September 13th at 8:20 p.m. ET.