6 days ago
New York Giants' Russell Wilson addresses Malik Nabers' practice absence
New York Giants superstar wide receiver Malik Nabers left practice early last Wednesday and subsequently told reporters that it was a load management decision.
Nabers has not returned to the field since he made those comments, missing the team's preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills and the first of two joint practices with the New York Jets.
"He's rehabbing, and he's doing everything he can do to get back," head coach Brian Daboll said of Nabers on Tuesday. "I'd say all the guys that are not here practicing are rehabbing and doing everything they can do to get back."
Nabers has been dealing with a lingering toe issue since college -- something he admits may eventually require surgery -- and also dinged his shoulder earlier in camp. However, it's unclear which injury, if either, is causing him to sit out.
There is some concern that Nabers' practice absence could negatively impact his chemistry with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, but the 10-time Pro Bowler dismissed that notion.
"Malik and I have gotten a lot of time together. I trust his work ethic, his ability to get open. Obviously, I've spent a lot of time with him, throwing the football. When he is out there and when he has been, we've been lights out on everything that we've done. I think he's been special for us," Wilson said.
In Nabers' absence, Wilson has been provided the opportunity to develop a stronger rapport with other receivers, something he feels will benefit the offense down the line.
"I think that you see other guys step up. I thought guys made good plays," he said. "That's what we need. We want to facilitate the ball to the right guy at the right time. We want to be able to do that, and obviously, Malik's a key part to that."
Although the Giants act like concern over Nabers' absence is much ado about nothing, each day he misses sounds more and more alarm bells.
