The New York Giants‘ goal never changed. It was always to have Malik Nabers back in the lineup for the Week 1 debut against the Dallas Cowboys. On that note, the NFL preseason has provided nothing but encouraging signs for the G-Men. Still, Nabers’ latest accomplishment may have been his biggest yet.
As reported by ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, Nabers shed the red, non-contact jersey during the Giants’ practice on Monday. Given the green light by the medical staff in East Rutherford, Nabers was a full participant in practice and could very well be on track to start Week 1 when New York hosts Dallas in a crucial NFC East showdown to open the 2026 NFL season.
Indeed, Nabers’ update could suggest Odell Beckham Jr. must step up in order to make the 53-man roster, but it’s great news overall. Even for Odell. Just like in games, Nabers’ presence at practice can draw more attention from the defense, in turn freeing up space for Beckham Jr. and the rest of the depth wideouts to take advantage.
Nabers is back—and right on cue
As the Giants enter the final week of the preseason and gear up for a plethora of roster cuts, having Nabers back in action could be a blessing. The moves have already begun, with New York releasing WR Ryan Miller. Most importantly, though, Nabers is finally off the bubble wrap. Now, New York can truly see where the star wideout stands in his rehab, and whether he will play in Week 1 or not should become clearer.
Malik Nabers #1 of the New York Giants.
Judging by his impact in his first practice back at full capacity, Nabers is right on track, and New York is a much more dangerous team with him lined up against the opposition’s best cornerback—anything else may be considered an insult and a waste of time and resources.
Nabers’ first full practice
Although he’s been making progress all summer long, shedding the non-contact jersey may be the most encouraging milestone yet. In his first practice back without limitations and without being protected from the defense, Nabers didn’t disappoint.
According to Dan Duggan of The Athletic, Nabers took six reps across 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 action (three in each) and caught a total of four passes, including an acrobatic diving catch on a throw from third-string quarterback Brandon Allen. Nabers reportedly caught passes from Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston, too. That chemistry hasn’t gone anywhere, even if Nabers barely played alongside Dart and Winston.
