If Malik Nabers can’t play, Giants will have to rely on second-year wide receiver
The opportunity many have been clamoring for Jalin Hyatt to receive might be at hand. With star wide receiver Malik Nabers increasingly unlikely to be cleared from the NFL concussion protocol in time to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, the New York Giants will have to turn to the speedy 2023 third-round pick.
“You just [have] to be ready whenever it [your opportunity] is,” Hyatt said on Thursday. “This is a long, long season. Injuries happen and it’s all about taking advantage of the opportunities.
“We’re going to go out and play Seattle, and we’re going to be ready. And for us, we just got to stay focused, got to stay on rhythm on offense, and we do that, and we have a good chance.”
Hyatt caught just 23 passes as a rookie after the Giants traded up in Round 3 to select him. He was looking forward to having a bigger impact this season, and worked with the first team throughout much of the summer.
When the games began, though, Darius Slayton joined Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson in the Giants’ three-receiver sets. Hyatt has been relegated to spot duty, and still does not have a reception this season. He has been targeted just three times.
“It’s going to be fine,” Hyatt said. “I’m a competitor, I want to be out there and be able to play and obviously, I didn’t have a lot of chances this season. But like I said, it’s a long season, things happen, injuries happen, and I got to be ready, I got to be ready whenever my number’s called. And if it is called this week, I’ll be ready.”
Nabers has been targeted more than any wide receiver in the NFL. The Giants will need contributions from a number of players to overcome Nabers’ absence if he is unable to play.
“I’m very confident in Jalin,” said offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. “He’s been a pro since he’s been here. He’s been studying his tail off. You’re right, he hasn’t had a ton this year but he’s practiced every single day like he’s a starter. He prepares like he’s the starter. So, again, talking about that next man up approach, he’s one of those guys, if he has to go in, he’ll be ready and prepared and we’ll be expecting him to do his job and make plays for us.”
Hyatt lockers next to Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. He has been taking advantage of the proximity.
“I’ve been in his ear. I know he’s right here, he’s my locker mate. So, every time I see him, I’ll say something to him,” Hyatt said. “But like I said, we’re going to be prepared, we got to be ready, we have a good game plan that I like. And I just can’t wait to go out there with DJ and the offensive line and obviously our receivers, and make plays, and we can do that at Seattle.”
