New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely has quickly recognized the potential impact of his new teammate, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Despite never having played alongside Nabers, Likely stated Wednesday that he understands why Nabers has been labeled an "alpha receiver."
"Watching him out there, running routes, I see why he’s the alpha receiver that he is," Likely said. "Obviously, there’s a big difference when [No. 1] is out there on the field and [when he’s] not. You can watch it on film all you want, but seeing it out there with your own eyes, it’s definitely something."
Likely, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, believes his presence on the field can help alleviate defensive pressure on Nabers. "Just being out there, trying to help Leek take as much, I want to say, double-bracket as much as he sees as possible to have him have his life be easy," Likely commented.
According to head coach John Harbaugh, Nabers was present for all drills on Wednesday after sitting out individual drills the previous day.
In other team news, running back Najee Harris, who signed with the Giants on August 18, appears to be in good condition despite a torn Achilles suffered last season. Harbaugh indicated that Harris is in shape and ready to contribute to the team's ground game. "He’s in good shape, he came in in good shape," Harbaugh said. "He’s even leaned up a little bit. I think the football movement has kind of got him chiseled a little more than he was. He looks good, he looks like he’s ready to play. He’s gonna be ready to go."
Harris could be positioned as the No. 2 running back behind starter Cam Skattebo.
Backup center Bryan Hudson did not practice due to an unspecified issue, which Harbaugh described as "not serious." The Giants also signed offensive lineman Geno VanDeMark to the practice squad and released cornerback JT Woods. General Manager Joe Schoen mentioned plans to add another veteran defensive tackle to the practice squad next week.
The Giants will wear their classic 1980s-era blue uniforms for two Legacy Games this season: October 4 against the Cardinals and December 6 against the 49ers. MetLife Stadium will be reconfigured for these games to feature the "GIANTS" helmet design at midfield and in the end zones. The Week 4 game against the Cardinals will also commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1986 championship team with a halftime ceremony. Additionally, the "Vintage White" color rush uniforms will be worn in consecutive games: Week 9 at Philadelphia and Week 10 at home against the Commanders on Thursday Night Football.