Sep 26, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) is helped off the field after an injury during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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Malik Nabers Injury Update: Giants’ Rookie Cleared for Week 7 Return vs. Eagles After Scary Concussion

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.

The #Giants announced WR Malik Nabers has cleared concussion protocol pic.twitter.com/C7UoNiDkvi
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 17, 2024

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.

Malik Nabers couldn’t remember what happened after the concussion

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.”

Giants WR Malik Nabers — who had missed the last two weeks due to a confusion and also was listed this week with a groin injury — officially is off the injury, report and good to go Sunday against the Eagles.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 18, 2024

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.

Giants celebrate Malik Nabers’ return to the lineup

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.”

Image Credit: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Malik Nabers

Malik Nabers injury update

Natasha Bose

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