Speaking to reporters on Friday, Likely revealed what he told Nabers as soon as he got signed for the Giants. “I told [Malik Nabers] since the day I got here, my job is to make sure no team is able to double cover you,” he said.

As of now, that’s exactly what has happened. Likely is on pace to get more than 100 catches in the NFL, and he has the highest target share in the league among tight ends. Likely has scored four times already and has 284 yards. This comes in the same week where head coach John Harbaugh endorsed a Giants tight end for their Week 6 game vs Saints.

Nabers has made the most of Likely’s presence

Since teams have to guard Likely too, Nabers is enjoying his domination in one-on-ones. Nabers has 29 catches for 329 yards and two touchdowns already this season. Both Nabers and Likely are by far the most productive players on the Giants.

Nabers has made bold confessions stating that he can still be better after his knee injury. Hence, the Giants offense could very well be improving in weeks to come. After all, both Nabers and Likely are plenty talented.

Jameis Winston needs to trust both Nabers and Likely

Jameis Winston is sort of a reckless passer. However, he needs to keep trusting Nabers and Likely. They are so good that they will help him avoid plenty of turnovers. After all, avoiding interceptions is key for Winston to play in a good level.

Key takeaways

• Isaiah Likely vowed to stop teams from double covering Malik Nabers this season.
• Isaiah Likely scored four touchdowns and accumulated 284 receiving yards so far.
• Malik Nabers recorded 29 catches for 329 yards and two touchdowns this season.

Nabers recently revealed that he feels he has another 20 to 30 percent of his potential to unlock before he considers himself fully recovered. The statement reflects his confidence in his ability to improve even after showing flashes of the explosive talent that made him one of the Giants’ most important offensive weapons.

Harbaugh was asked how he reacted to Nabers’ assessment and whether hearing that kind of confidence from a player coming back from an injury excited him. The Giants coach made it clear that the possibility of seeing an even better version of Nabers is something he is looking forward to. “Oh, that excites me. That gets me fired up. I can’t wait to see the 20-30 percent more. That’s going to be fun. I mean, I think he’s doing great and he had a great week of practice, so it’s good.”

John Harbaugh sees more potential in Malik Nabers

John Harbaugh’s reaction highlights the optimism surrounding Malik Nabers as he continues to build momentum following his knee injury. The coach praised the receiver’s progress and specifically pointed to his strong week of practice, suggesting that the Giants are encouraged by what they are seeing from him on the field.

For Nabers, the challenge is to keep improving while continuing to regain confidence and consistency after a difficult rehabilitation process. His belief that he still has 20 to 30 percent more to give also suggests he is not satisfied with his recent production and sees room to become an even more dangerous weapon in the passing game.

The Giants will hope that continued progress from Nabers can translate into greater offensive production as the season moves forward. With Harbaugh expressing enthusiasm about the receiver’s potential, New York has reason to be encouraged by the possibility that Nabers can take another step forward as he gets closer to his best form.

Key takeaways

• Malik Nabers believes he can improve another 20-30%.
• John Harbaugh said the receiver’s comments excite him.
• Harbaugh praised Nabers’ progress and strong week of practice ahead of Week 6 game against the Saints.

Nabers missed most of the 2025 season after tearing his ACL and meniscus, forcing him to navigate a lengthy rehabilitation process before returning to the field in 2026. His recent performances have offered encouraging signs, including 112 receiving yards and a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals, followed by 121 yards and another touchdown in a tie with the Washington Commanders.

Despite those numbers, Nabers insists that his comeback is far from complete. During a conversation with reporters, the Giants receiver explained that he still has approximately 20 to 30 percent of his potential left to reach, while acknowledging that missed opportunities have prevented him from producing even bigger numbers in recent games.

Malik Nabers can reach another level with NY Giants

When asked whether he finally felt like himself again after his recent performances, Nabers gave an honest assessment of his progress. The wide receiver acknowledged that he has improved considerably but believes there is still a significant gap between where he is now and where he wants to be. “Oh no, still got like 20 percent left to get to, 20, 30. But yeah, I mean, I got a lot more left. I got a lot more ahead of me that I see in myself of potential.”

The Giants star then explained that his frustration comes from plays he believes he should have made, even during games in which he produced impressive statistics.

He specifically mentioned a dropped screen pass that he felt could have turned into a 60-yard gain, along with other opportunities involving catches near the back of the end zone and plays that required him to dive for the football. Nabers also made clear that he holds himself accountable rather than blaming the quality of the passes he receives.

“It’s just things on the field that I can just do better. I feel like even though those two big games that I had, I left many plays out there, just probably drops. Dropped the ball on that screen that could have went for 60. That game could have looked a whole lot different. I’m never a person that’s going to always come back and be like, ‘I could have got a better ball.’ I just always feel like I can catch it. Just got to put my body in a position for me to make that catch.”

Nabers believes correcting those mistakes could help him take another step forward in the coming weeks. He wants to focus more closely on those details before the Giants’ next game. With back-to-back 100-yard performances already behind him, the receiver’s own assessment suggests that he expects even more from himself as he continues moving past his knee injury.

“I just feel like I left a lot of plays out there and that could have been a whole different ball game. And I still would have been feeling like I left some plays out there because I feel like that’s just normal of what I do. I leave a lot of plays out there that I’m trying to hone in and lock in on to just not do that next week. So, I feel like if I do that, then I’ll be pushing ahead of where I want to be.”

Key takeaways

• Malik Nabers posted 112 receiving yards against Cardinals and 121 yards against Commanders.
• Malik Nabers stated he still has 20 to 30 percent of potential left.
• Malik Nabers cited a dropped screen pass that could have gained 60 yards.

Back in Week 1, Nabers wasn’t simply a game-time decision but in a somewhat limited capacity, too. In Weeks 4 and 5, Nabers is a revenant, playing as many snaps as the next guy, and running more routes than anyone else. Not just in New York, but in the NFL entirely.

According to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats and Sumer Sports, Nabers has ran a total of 88 routes, the most among all wideouts in the league, over the past two weeks. If the G-Men had any concern about over-utilizing Nabers or the wear-and-tear on his right knee, the numbers clearly tell a different story.

Nabers’ Week 5 performance

Following the dramatic 27-27 tie against the Washington Commanders, John Harbaugh had some advice for Cam Skattebo, whose overtime fumble cost the team a shot at winning the game.

Still, it’s clear the head coach didn’t have much to tell Nabers, who played lights out, came down with clutch catches, and finished the rainy afternoon in Landover with 11 receptions for 121 yards and a TD. Nabers did have nine drops, but the wet conditions and the Commanders’ defense deserve some of the credit for that, as well.

Winston is finding Nabers

Much can be said about Jameis Winston’s performance since filling in for Jaxson Dart at the QB1 position, but it’s clear he’s making the most of his weapons, mostly Nabers and Isaiah Likely. Winston isn’t letting Nabers go out and do some cardio on the field.

If Nabers is running routes, Winston is looking his way more often than not. Nabers’ 27 targets in Weeks 4 and 5 lead the NFL, as do his 233 receiving yards. The former LSU wideout has caught 17 passes and two touchdowns, which are second among WRs over this period, too. Only CeeDee Lamb (19 catches) has more than Nabers in the last two games.

Knock on wood, Nabers is back, and he is sending all the right signals to John Harbaugh and the Giants’ coaching staff. Keep sending the targets his way, as he isn’t showing any signs of discomfort or fatigue.

Nabers in for intriguing matchup in Week 6

Up next, a matchup with the New Orleans Saints awaits. Nabers won’t get to play back in his home state of Louisiana, but he will face a defense that has allowed an average of 212 receiving yards per game during the 2026 NFL season, according to ESPN. Nabers saw what fellow LSU alum Justin Jefferson recently did to the Saints, and he will want to follow suit.

Key takeaways

• Malik Nabers ran 88 routes over Weeks 4 and 5, leading all NFL wide receivers.
• Malik Nabers led the NFL with 27 targets and 233 receiving yards across the past two games.
• The New York Giants will face the New Orleans Saints in Week 6.

According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, both Nabers and Skattebo logged a full practice on Friday and are expected to play vs Commanders. This is great news for the Giants, who at 3-1, could make a huge leap towards the NFC East title with a win here, despite this just being Week 5.

Nabers dealt with knee soreness throughout the week and given that he is playing after an ACL tear and subsequent knee surgery, the Giants could’ve erred on the side of caution. However, it seems like the star wideout will suit up.

What was Skattebo dealing with?

Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed the injury update on Skattebo denying he was in concussion protocol. The injury report stated that Skattebo was dealing with a shoulder injury, but he should also be ready to go at full force.

Skattebo is the leading running back on this roster, though his efficiency hasn’t been great. In fact, John Harbaugh detailed what OC Matt Nagy needs to improve to make Skattebo an even better weapon.

Nabers and Skattebo are the Giants’ offensive soul

Both are certified heroes for the Giants and both are on their rookie deals. Hence, Nabers and Skattebo are the guys who the Giants lean on to produce the goods offensively. It’s even more needed now that Jaxson Dart is injured and the team has Jameis Winston under center.

Key takeaways

• Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo logged full Friday practices ahead of Week 5.
• Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed Skattebo was dealing with a shoulder injury.
• Skattebo remains the leading running back on the Giants’ roster.

Nabers is coming off a standout performance in the Giants’ 36-24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, finishing with six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. However, the wide receiver missed Wednesday’s practice because of a knee issue, raising concerns about his availability as New York looks to extend its winning streak.

Cam Skattebo also appeared on the injury report with a shoulder issue, although his situation was less concerning initially because he participated in a limited capacity. The Giants will continue monitoring both players as they determine whether their key offensive contributors will be ready to face Washington.

Which Giants players are on the injury report?

Malik Nabers was listed as a nonparticipant on Wednesday because of his knee, the same one he injured last season. He returned to practice on Thursday in a limited capacity, providing an encouraging sign for the Giants. Skattebo, meanwhile, was limited on both Wednesday and Thursday with a shoulder injury, leaving his status worth monitoring as the team approaches Sunday’s game.

Several other Giants players are also dealing with injuries. Defensive lineman Chauncey Golston missed practice with a neck injury, while safety Jason Pinnock remained sidelined because of a concussion. Offensive tackle Andrew Thomas, who is dealing with a groin injury, missed Wednesday’s session but returned in a limited capacity Thursday. Running back Najee Harris was initially absent for personal reasons.

Tight end Isaiah Likely was limited with a knee/groin issue, while fellow tight end Chris Manhertz was limited because of a shoulder injury. Cornerback Deonte Banks, who has been dealing with a calf issue, and offensive lineman Bryan Hudson, listed with an ankle injury, were full participants on Wednesday. Their participation gives the Giants some positive developments amid several injury concerns.

Nabers’ progress will remain particularly important after his impact against Arizona, as the Giants need his ability to create explosive plays in the passing game. Skattebo’s availability could also affect the team’s offensive balance, especially with New York looking to maintain its 3-1 start. The Giants’ next injury reports should provide a clearer picture of which players are on track to suit up against the Commanders.

Key takeaways

• Malik Nabers missed Wednesday practice due to a knee issue before returning Thursday limited.
• Cam Skattebo was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a shoulder injury.
• Jason Pinnock remained sidelined from Giants practice due to a concussion.

The Giants ultimately secured a 36-24 victory to improve to 3-1, but Nabers wanted to see more downfield opportunities after the break. The wide receiver finished with six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown, including five receptions for 84 yards and a score in the first half. His limited involvement afterward became a point of frustration as he looked for ways to create more explosive plays.

Nabers addressed the situation directly when asked what was behind his visible reaction during the game, explaining that he wanted to understand why the offense had moved away from targeting him. He emphasized that his goal was to help New York reach the end zone more consistently, rather than simply increase his individual numbers.

Malik Nabers’ controversy with Giants

The Giants receiver also explained that his frustration stemmed from a desire to help the offense find its rhythm again. Malik Nabers believed that getting the ball downfield had helped put New York in a position to score during the first half, and he wanted to understand why that approach changed after halftime.

“I felt like I didn’t get targeted much after halftime. So, that was just a thing. I felt like creating explosive plays down the field was just helping us get in a better position to score touchdowns. Some of those plays didn’t come my way. So, just trying to figure out why.”

Malik Nabers clarified things with John Harbaugh

Malik Nabers revealed that he spoke with head coach John Harbaugh after the game to clarify the offensive approach and discuss how the team could create more opportunities downfield. He stressed that the Giants needed a spark in the second half and believed he could provide it, particularly after the offense struggled to maintain its first-half momentum.

“I talked to him just about that I thought we needed to implement more things after halftime. Just also trying to give me the ball down the field to create some of those opportunities for us to gain more points. It felt like during the first half when we did that, it kind of led into the right direction with scoring touchdowns in the red zone. And just after that, we just couldn’t get going.”

Nabers’ comments put the spotlight on how the Giants plan to use their top receiving threat moving forward. His desire to be more involved reflects his confidence in his ability to change games with explosive plays, while his conversation with Harbaugh gives the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate its second-half adjustments.

“I felt like the offense was needing a spark and I wanted to be that spark. I was just trying to figure out what was going on, and what was the thought process on going into after halftime and coming out, what was the talk that he had with the coaches on implementing things down the field. We had a talk about it.”

Nabers spoke with reporters after practice and acknowledged that he was dealing with soreness. The Giants receiver did not make it sound like he was facing a major problem, but he also admitted that Wednesday’s soreness was somewhat worse than what he normally experiences during the week.

The situation became even more intriguing because John Harbaugh had previously described Nabers as having a “great day” and being in “great spirits.” Nabers’ own comments provided more context about why he was limited during practice while suggesting that he remains hopeful about playing this weekend.

What did Malik Nabers say about his injury?

Nabers initially described himself as “a little sore” when asked how he was feeling. When reporters pressed him about the specific issue affecting him, he insisted that he was doing well, but acknowledged that soreness was limiting his participation. “Just sore, just sore.”

When asked whether he practiced, Nabers responded, “As much as I could.” He was then asked what was limiting him and again pointed to the soreness rather than identifying a more serious concern. The receiver also addressed questions about the toe issue that affected him last season, explaining that the Giants have taken steps to prevent similar problems from becoming an issue again.

“Yeah, but there are things that we’ve been doing to prevent some of those things from happening. Things I’ve been doing well hasn’t been really giving me a problem, so I’d say we’re trending in the right direction on that.”

Nabers was ultimately asked the question Giants fans are most interested in: whether the soreness could prevent him from playing against Washington. The receiver did not provide a definitive answer, saying the team would see how he feels over the next few days.

“We’ll see how the next day goes, but through the week I’d usually be sore. But, this one was kind of a little bit more sore, but I always continue to fight through it.”

That response leaves Nabers’ status somewhat uncertain for Week 5, but it also provides a reason for optimism. He made clear that he regularly deals with soreness during the week and has continued to play through it, while the Giants will have additional opportunities to evaluate him before Sunday’s game against the Commanders.

Key takeaways

• New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday.
• Malik Nabers told reporters he was “a little sore” but emphasized he was doing well.
• Malik Nabers stated the team will “see how the next day goes” regarding Week 5 status.

The Giants listed Nabers as a DNP, with a knee injury given as the official reason for his absence. That confirms there was indeed a physical issue during Wednesday’s practice, even though Harbaugh described Nabers as having a “great day” and being in “great spirits” when reporters asked about him.

Nabers’ status will now be one of the biggest storylines for the Giants throughout the week. The team is coming off a 3-1 start, but losing its top receiver for Sunday’s game would be a significant blow, particularly with New York already dealing with several injuries on both sides of the ball.

Malik Nabers officially listed as DNP with knee injury

The official report provides more clarity than Harbaugh’s earlier comments. While the Giants coach did not indicate that Nabers was dealing with anything serious, the fact that he was officially listed as a non-participant because of a knee issue means his availability against Washington cannot yet be taken for granted.

Nabers also acknowledged after practice that he was dealing with soreness and said he would see how he felt as the week progressed. The receiver has shown a willingness to play through discomfort before, but this particular situation will be closely monitored given the importance of his role in the Giants’ offense.

The rest of New York’s Wednesday injury report includes DL Chauncey Golston (neck), RB Najee Harris (not injury related/personal), S Jason Pinnock (concussion) and LT Andrew Thomas (groin) as players who did not participate. TE Isaiah Likely (knee/groin), TE Chris Manhertz (shoulder) and RB Cam Skattebo (shoulder) were limited, while CB Deonte Banks (calf) and C Bryan Hudson (ankle) were full participants.

For now, there is no indication that Nabers is expected to miss Sunday’s game, but Wednesday’s DNP is something to watch closely. The Giants still have Thursday and Friday practices ahead of the matchup, and Nabers’ participation in those sessions should provide a much better indication of whether he will be ready to face the Commanders.

Key takeaways

• Malik Nabers was listed as DNP due to a knee injury on Wednesday.
• Nabers acknowledged after practice that he was dealing with soreness.
• Defense lineman Chauncey Golston and safety Jason Pinnock were among other players sidelined.

However, John Harbaugh offered an encouraging assessment when asked about Nabers following the practice session. The Giants head coach indicated that the wide receiver had a productive day and appeared to be in good spirits, providing an early positive sign about his availability for Sunday’s matchup. “How is he doing? He’s doing great. Great day. Great spirits today. He had a good work day.”

Harbaugh was then pressed for additional details about Nabers’ condition and whether the wide receiver would be available against Washington. The Giants coach declined to provide a definitive answer, instead pointing reporters toward the team’s official injury report.

Is Malik Nabers playing for Giants vs Commanders?

Malik Nabers should be available to play against the Commanders. For now, the Giants are not officially confirming Nabers’ status for Week 5, meaning his participation will become clearer as the practice week continues. Harbaugh’s comments, however, were considerably more positive than what might have been expected if the team were dealing with a significant concern.

Nabers himself also appeared to provide an encouraging signal during the practice session, while Harbaugh repeatedly emphasized that the wide receiver had a good day and was in good spirits. Those details suggest the Giants are not currently treating the situation as a major setback.

The official injury report will ultimately determine Nabers’ designation for Sunday’s game, but the early signs point in a positive direction. Unless something changes during the remainder of the week, Nabers appears to have a strong chance of being available when the Giants face the Commanders in Week 5.

That would be important for New York, particularly with Jameis Winston leading the offense and the Giants coming off a 3-1 start. Nabers remains one of the team’s most important offensive weapons, so avoiding another significant injury would be a major boost as the Giants prepare for Washington.

Malik Nabers listed as DNP on Giants injury report

Despite Harbaugh’s positive comments, Nabers’ official designation created another layer of uncertainty. The Giants listed the wide receiver as a DNP, meaning he did not officially participate in Wednesday’s practice, even though he was seen working with trainers during the session.

That distinction is important because being listed as a non-participant does not automatically mean Nabers will miss Sunday’s game. Teams can manage players during the week for a variety of reasons, and the Giants still have several more practices before they have to make a final determination on his availability against Washington.

Key takeaways

• Malik Nabers trained with medical staff during Wednesday’s practice ahead of Week 5.
• Head coach John Harbaugh reported Nabers had a “great day” in good spirits.
• Harbaugh directed reporters to the official injury report for Nabers’ Sunday status.

“New York Giants star outside linebacker Brian Burns tore the lateral meniscus in his right knee, in addition to tearing his ACL, according to league and team sources,” as reported on The Athletic by Dan Duggan. “Burns is scheduled to undergo surgery to repair both injuries Oct. 1.”

Not only did Nabers suffer the same two injuries last season, the Giants’ WR1 was also injured at MetLife Stadium early in the year. While Burns has been ruled out for the season after getting injured in Week 3, Nabers missed virtually the same amount of time after being injured in Week 4 of the 2025 NFL campaign.

Another season-ending injury in New York

As soon as Burns went down grabbing his right knee, fans in the stands and at home turned away from the action, fearing this scenario. Once again, the artificial turf at MetLife Stadium was found at the crime scene and deemed guilty on the spot.

Judging by Nabers’ lengthy and, as he admitted, mentally testing time away from the field and rehabbing, Burns might be in for a similar journey going into 2027. Nabers was a game-time decision for Week 1 this year, so a similar fate could await Burns next season. Still, that’s all a long way into the future.

Burns could be in for ups and downs in injury rehab

Moreover, Nabers underwent a second surgery in the offseason to remove scar tissue that was causing him stiffness in his right knee. Whether something similar might also happen to Burns, there’s no telling until the Giants cross that bridge, and for the time being, it’s the last thing on their mind.

Still, being without their best pass rusher and a veteran presence on and off the field, in addition to losing Jaxson Dart, it’s safe to say the start to the season hasn’t been kind to John Harbaugh’s Giants. Yet, calm seas never made a good sailor, and it might all be the perfect storm for New York to test its sails.

Key takeaways

• Brian Burns tore his lateral meniscus and ACL in his right knee.
• The injury occurred during a Week 3 game at MetLife Stadium.
• Malik Nabers missed extended time after suffering the same injury in Week 4 of 2025.