There was a brief sense of alarm when New York Giants star wide receiver Malik Nabers went to the sideline during Wednesday’s practice and did not return.
After practice, though, Nabers said there was nothing to be worried about. His lightened workload was “part of the plan” of “making sure I’m as healthy as I need to be when it’s time to play ball.”
Nabers, of course, missed spring practices as he rehabbed a toe injury. He left a practice last week with a shoulder injury, but has shown no ill effects from that.
Nabers said he is “doing fine” despite being seen spending a lot of time talking with the Giants trainers.
“They’re really just asking me questions, asking me how I feel, telling me all of the things that are going to be ahead of the plan today – what I’m going to be doing at practice and how I’m going to be doing it,” Nabers said. “Just keeping those guys in the know of how I feel and what they want me to do, so it’s just a process that I just have to follow.”
Nabers’ importance to the Giants on the field was shown during his rookie season when he caught a franchise-record 109 passes.
New quarterback Russell Wilson has noticed the second-year wide receiver becoming willing to lead.
“Malik’s done a great job just his leadership, his voice in the film room too. He’s done a great job with that,” Wilson said. “I’ve been telling him that the more he communicates what he sees and feels, not just to us quarterbacks but really to the group as a receiver and we’re all want to be on the same page. I think he’s doing a great job of that. He’s really just stepped into that role, the leadership role.’
Nabers said he is learning to “sometimes get out of my mode” and use his voice.
“I talk to myself a lot. I talk to myself in my head, and I’m always quiet a lot, so sometimes I have to step outside of those boundaries and get guys riled up and get them going, get my receiver group going, and that’s just a part of just being a leader and just wanting to be better for my team,” he said.
What has Nabers found unique or exciting about working with Wilson?
“I would probably say his timing. His arm angles, where he can deliver the ball, whether they be sidearm through a defender,” Nabers said. “He’s put the ball in some crazy spots that I thought would never get to me, but it made it there. Or just, like you said, the moon ball is easy to catch. He drops it right in the bucket. He’s able to put the ball in a position that only his receiver can catch the ball.”
Nabers hopes to make more explosive plays in 2025.
“If I can get three passes for 160 yards, I’ll take that rather than 10,” Nabers said.
I think the Giants would agree.
See More:
