New York Giants star wide receiver Malik Nabers is unsure if he will be ready to go for Week 1 of the 2026 season after tearing his ACL in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers back on Sept. 28.
“I’m not really sure,” Nabers said on Monday during the Giants’ locker cleanout day. “If my body doesn’t feel right, then I’m not gonna go out there.”
Roughly one month after sustaining the injury, he underwent surgery, meaning he is only 10 weeks out from the procedure, and a significant road in his rehab still awaits. He is still walking with a cane.
“It’s tough, but I needed this,” Nabers continued. “I needed to get back to where I once was and find that hunger. I feel like this is a blessing in disguise. I had a talk with,[backup quarterback Jameis Winston], and I kept asking, ‘Why did it happen to me?’ And he’s like, ‘Why not you? Why not go back to the bottom and try to find your way back to the top?’ I’m putting that in my head and attacking the rehab as much as I can.”
Nabers was on a fast track to superstardom after a record-setting rookie season in 2024 in which he reeled in 109 catches for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns, earning him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. He had 18 receptions for 271 yards and two scores this season before landing awkwardly while coming down on a deep jump ball from rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart in what was his first-career NFL start in Week 4 against the Chargers.
Both Nabers and Dart are the clear centerpieces of the Giants’ future, which once again is in flux. While general manager Joe Schoen remains in his seat, the team is seeking a new head coach following the dismissal of Brian Daboll.
