Malik Nabers Sheds No-Contact Jersey for Live Drills Ahead of Week 1

Giants receiver Malik Nabers took three reps in 11-on-11 drills Monday as he recovers from a torn ACL and meniscus.

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers shed his red no-contact jersey on Monday, participating in live drills for the first time this summer. The Pro Bowl wideout took three reps in 11-on-11 periods and three reps in 7-on-7 drills during a session held in shorts and shoulder pads. This progression marks a significant milestone in his recovery from a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee, an injury sustained during a Week 4 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers last season. That specific contest also marked the first career start for quarterback Jaxson Dart. Nabers is currently tracking toward a return for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, Sept. 13.

During Monday's practice, Nabers demonstrated his range by plucking a pass off the turf for an impressive catch, though he also recorded a false start and one dropped pass. Coach John Harbaugh noted that the receiver appeared to be moving better than at any other point during his rehab process. While Nabers took part in live drills last week, he remained in the red jersey typically reserved for quarterbacks until this most recent session. The Giants expect him to participate in full pads on Tuesday, albeit with a managed workload to ensure his body reacts well to increased physicality.

Statistical Impact and Injury History

Before his injury last year, Nabers recorded 18 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns across four games. This followed a dominant rookie campaign in 2024 where he amassed 1,204 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. The 2024 sixth overall pick out of LSU underwent surgery in October to repair both the ACL and the meniscus. His recovery timeline included a second surgical procedure earlier this year to address stiffness and remove scar tissue that had developed in the joint.

Despite these complications, Nabers avoided the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp last month. He has maintained a consistent presence on the practice field, missing only one session in West Virginia and sitting out a joint practice held in Miami last week. Harbaugh emphasized that experiencing contact is a mandatory step before the receiver can be cleared for game action, as it allows the player to test his ability to protect himself in live scenarios.

Rehab Progression and Coach Perspectives

Nabers described his current status as a "healthy spot," noting that he is providing constant feedback to the Giants' training staff regarding his rep count. The receiver stated he is listening to his body to determine if he can handle more volume or if he is doing too much. Although the season opener is three weeks away, Harbaugh declined to make a definitive statement on Nabers' availability for Week 1, though he acknowledged it is a reasonable assumption based on the player's current practice performance.

Monday's session served as the first real opportunity for Nabers to feel the physicality of the game without the protection of the no-contact shirt. The training staff continues to ask the receiver questions about his comfort level as they steadily increase his workload. The team’s medical personnel and trainers have reported that Nabers is strong and in a good place mentally and physically as he enters the final stages of his rehabilitation program.