Malik Nabers Noncommittal for Week 1 Opener vs. Cowboys After Torn ACL

Wide receiver Malik Nabers is progressing toward the Giants' Sept. 13 season opener against Dallas following a torn ACL last year.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers is navigating the final stages of recovery from a torn ACL ahead of the Sunday night season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 13. While the dynamic wideout stated he feels "real good," he has not yet confirmed his availability for the Week 1 matchup. Nabers has already transitioned to full practices throughout the summer and recently removed the red no-contact jersey typically worn by quarterbacks during team drills.

Despite the positive trajectory, Nabers indicated that several medical checkpoints remain before he is cleared for game action. He is currently working through a protocol that involves feedback from team trainers and doctors. The receiver noted that while he feels healthy, he is focused on ensuring he can play all four quarters without snap count limitations or the need for frequent rotations. The expectation remains that he will play barring a physical setback during the final lead-up to the contest.

Roster Updates and Beckham's Return

While Nabers' status remains officially noncommittal, the New York Giants have confirmed that Odell Beckham Jr. has secured a spot on the 53-man roster as of Sunday. This marks Beckham's first time on the Giants' active roster in eight years. Head coach John Harbaugh announced plans to utilize the veteran receiver within the rotation, potentially as the fourth or fifth option in various personnel groups. Beckham earned his position following a competitive summer training camp, which he described as having an unfamiliar level of pressure to win a job.

Beckham’s return to the franchise comes after a full year out of the NFL. The receiver, who was originally the 12th overall pick out of LSU, spent his first five professional seasons in New York. During that span, he recorded three consecutive seasons with at least 1,200 receiving yards. He admitted to being emotional after learning he made the team, noting that his family and son were in town to witness the final preseason game just days prior to the roster deadline.

Jersey Number Conversations and Personnel

There is ongoing internal discussion regarding jersey numbers heading into the Dallas game. Throughout the summer, Beckham has worn No. 3, while Jalin Hyatt has occupied No. 13—the number Beckham made famous during his initial tenure with the team. With Hyatt currently on the practice squad and Beckham on the active roster, the veteran indicated a conversation regarding the jersey switch is likely. The possibility remains that Beckham will suit up in his trademark No. 13 for the Sunday night game.

Nabers expressed some uncertainty regarding whether he would immediately return to his pre-injury form but dismissed long-term concerns about his performance. He emphasized that his primary goal is to be healthy enough to avoid being a situational player. The Giants have been preparing for this specific Week 1 date since the start of training camp, focusing on the health of their receiving corps to face the Cowboys' defense.

Final Preparations for Sept. 13

The Giants' coaching staff continues to monitor Nabers' participation in team drills as the Sept. 13 kickoff approaches. Nabers stated he is keeping the specific details of his final medical hurdles in-house, describing them as minor requirements. If cleared, he will join a receiving group that includes the newly retained Beckham, who described this opportunity as a chance to rewrite the final chapters of his career. The team finalized these roster decisions on Sunday, setting the stage for the divisional clash in East Rutherford.