New York Giants coach John Harbaugh took an unconventional step to support wide receiver Malik Nabers, tackling him during a walkthrough practice. The move was intended to help Nabers, who was returning from an ACL tear suffered nearly a year prior, gain confidence in his knee before the Giants' season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
Nabers described the experience as a moment of relief. "I've been fighting alone," he told reporters. "So, just coming out there and feeling the energy and everybody glad to see me back. Just being in the dark, on the side — nobody knew what I was doing, how I felt."
He explained that the tackle, while not bringing him to the ground, was a crucial test. "Coach Harbaugh tackled me… He wanted to see if I could take a tackle and it was good." This demonstration of support came before Nabers made a game-time decision to play.
The 23-year-old receiver had a successful return to the field, recording six catches for 69 yards in the Giants' 28-20 victory over the Cowboys. This marked a feel-good start to the new coaching era for the Giants.
Nabers, who was a breakout star as a rookie with 1,204 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, had his second season cut short by the injury in Week 4. He expressed a personal need to prove his readiness to himself before playing in front of his family and the team.
The Giants' offense also featured new additions, with free-agent signee Isaiah Likely emerging as a key target for quarterback Jaxson Dart, catching eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Nabers and the Giants are scheduled to face the Rams next on "Monday Night Football."