Why Malik Nabers Is Missing NY Giants' OTAs
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
With a new situation under center, the New York Giants hope to bring stability to their passing game. It could do wonders for the emerging superstar, Malik Nabers.
The Daniel Jones era ended on a tough note. After 10 games of struggling, the former Duke star was benched before ultimately parting ways with the Giants' organization.
The Giants had four quarterbacks under center at one point throughout the 2024 season. Drew Lock attempted 181 passes over eight games. Tommy DeVito threw 44 passes in three games, while Tim Boyle attempted 24 passes.
Nabers proved his stardom by producing in any scenario. As a rookie, the first-rounder managed to put together a Pro Bowl campaign after three seasons at LSU. Heading into year two, the Giants have added a notable veteran quarterback in Russell Wilson to help with the continued development of the wideout.
So far, Nabers and Wilson haven't had a chance to put it together at OTAs. As Wilson gets to work with his new weapons in New York, Nabers has been a non-participant due to health reasons.
According to Giants.com, Nabers is currently recovering from a toe injury. The Giants aren't operating with the belief that Nabers' setback is severe. The team is simply being cautious at this time.
Malik Nabers #1 of the New York Giants warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on October 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Malik Nabers #1 of the New York Giants warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on October 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
"Of course, it would be great if Nabers was out here catching passes from Wilson during OTAs. But the most important thing for the 21-year-old is to get fully healthy for the start of the season," writes Giants analyst Matt Citak. "I cannot imagine it will take long for Wilson and Nabers to build a connection of their own, and once they do, the sky is the limit for the star wideout. For right now, though, the veteran quarterback's growing chemistry with the other targets has been on full display these last couple of weeks."
Throughout the 2024 NFL season, Nabers appeared in 15 games. He caught 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. The closest receiver on the team in terms of production was Wan'Dale Robinson, who caught 93 passes for 699 yards and three scores.
While Nabers' absence still provides a hint of concern simply due to the fact that he's a cornerstone player, there are slight positives in his absence. Wilson now gets an opportunity to find comfort with other weapons on the depth chart, figuring out his other options beyond Nabers, who will undoubtedly garner a high volume of targets throughout the 2025 NFL season.
Last week, Robinson sent a lot of praise Wilson's way after catching passes from the veteran quarterback throughout the early phase of spring practices. A lot of buzz has been built around the veteran Jalin Hyatt, as he's been dubbed a potential breakout candidate for the upcoming season.
The Giants haven't offered a timeline on Nabers, but the assumption is that there isn't much to worry about.
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