The New York Giants are excited about Malik Nabers‘ progress as the 2026 NFL season approaches. Odell Beckham Jr. is no exception to the overall mood in East Rutherford. However, Nabers’ potential return to full team activities might turn into a double-edged sword for the veteran wideout in search of a spot in the 53-man roster.
After a report revealed Beckham Jr.’s chances of making the Giants’ 53-man roster, the 33-year-old wide receiver understands his NFL future is at stake. Odell has shown flashes so far in the preseason, but the work is only beginning for him. Moreover, with Nabers inching closer to a full return, Beckham Jr.’s window to shine may close right before his eyes. And it appears Nabers is set to become a full participant in Giants practices.
“We’ll have to see. That’s a possibility [that Nabers sheds the red non-contact jersey in practice this week]. We’ll just have to see where he’s at,” JohnHarbaugh said about Nabers, via SNY. “I don’t think it’s a necessity this week because we’re still three weeks out from the first game. But we’ll see where he’s at this week.”
Although Harbaugh and the Giants will remain cautious in their handling of Nabers’ return from two surgeries on his right knee, all signs indicate the star wide receiver is just shy of being back. Though exciting and encouraging for the offense as a whole, Nabers’ return may take the spotlight away from Beckham Jr. at a time when OBJ needs to shine brightest.
Malik Nabers of the Giants celebrates after a touchdown.
Nabers could take reps from Beckham Jr. in practice
Nabers isn’t competing for a roster spot; he’s a lock. Odell doesn’t enjoy that luxury. Years ago, Beckham Jr. did, but not anymore. In order to make the active roster, he needs to keep putting in the work and showcase himself as a reliable option for Jaxson Dart and the offense. So far, he’s done a good job. But with Nabers set to wear a regular jersey for the first time in months shortly, the clock is ticking for Beckham Jr.
It’s not about the start but the finish that counts, and Beckham Jr. must finish the preseason strong before Harbaugh and company decide who is in and who is out on the active roster. Nabers becoming a full participant in practice could translate to fewer reps and targets for Beckham Jr. and other wideouts. In turn, whatever limited opportunities he gets, the veteran can’t let them slip through his fingers.
Whether Nabers will play in the preseason finale against the New York Jets remains to be seen (unlikely), but his presence in practice would still limit Beckham Jr. and others. However, it’s not as if Odell has to outplay Nabers or anything of the sort. Would it be great if he did? Sure, just as great—and equally concerning—as finding out your dog can talk. Regardless, it’s not what the Giants are aiming for.
Beckham Jr. isn’t competing with Nabers
Beckham Jr.’s competition isn’t with Nabers. The latter is the No. 1 wideout on the G-Men’s depth chart, and that won’t change anytime soon. If Odell wants a seat in New York’s wide receiver room, he needs to beat other names to the job: Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin, Braxton Berrios, Jalin Hyatt, Isaiah Hodgins, and so on. That’s the list of competitors for Beckham Jr.
Nabers, along with Darius Slayton and Malachi Fields, are locks. One could make the case for Mooney, too. New York knows who its main receivers will be, at least if they stay healthy and productive as the Giants expect. What remains to be seen is who will fill out the receiving corps and provide reliable hands when called upon. That’s what Big Blue wants from OBJ in 2026. Whether he can provide it throughout an entire 18-week regular season, only time will tell.
For the time being, projections indicate Beckham Jr. is making the 53-man roster. However, he must clear away all doubts during the home stretch of the preseason, and Nabers coming to life on the football field right on cue could be both a burden and a blessing for Beckham Jr.
