After missing time, Malik Nabers is back for the Giants in a crucial matchup against the Eagles.
New York Giants rookie sensation Malik Nabers has been cleared from concussion protocol and is ready to play this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, with no injury designation listed on Friday’s report.
“Ready to go,” Nabers confirmed on Friday.
The wide receiver had been sidelined for two games after sustaining a concussion during the team’s Week 4 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on September 26. While attempting to catch a pass near the sideline, he hit the ground face-first.
Additionally, Nabers was added to the injury report with a groin issue on Thursday and Friday. Though he was limited in practice on Friday, Coach Brian Daboll mentioned that the groin tightened up. Nabers, however, said he’s been dealing with the injury since his college days and isn’t too concerned.
As Nabers returns, he’ll continue what’s been an impressive rookie season so far, having already racked up 35 catches for 386 yards in just four games.
When Nabers went down against the Cowboys, it was immediately clear something was wrong as the rookie lay motionless by the sidelines.
“From the video that I saw, yes,” Nabers responded when asked if he lost consciousness. “I don’t remember. Last thing I remember was DJ throwing me the ball.”
This led to some media speculation about whether earlier hits might have caused any symptoms of a concussion, but Nabers dismissed that, saying he believes it was an isolated event.
“I think it was just that one play,” he explained. “I didn’t have any dizziness or headaches from other hits.”
Nabers mentioned he isn’t planning to wear a guardian cap on his helmet, but the Giants have switched him to a helmet design considered more protective against head injuries. Interestingly, he shared that this helmet was offered to him before the season, but he declined at the time.
Before his injury, Nabers was a strong contender for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award. In just four games, he amassed 35 receptions for 386 yards and three touchdowns. In his absence, the Giants have only managed to score 27 points in their last two outings.
While Wan’Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton have stepped up during his absence, it’s evident the Giants’ offense hasn’t reached its full potential without Nabers. When healthy, he’s averaged a staggering 13 targets per game.
“There’s no doubt he’s been a big part of our offense so far,” said quarterback Daniel Jones. “And someone who we’ve counted on in a lot of spots.”
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