EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Malik Nabers, the impressive rookie wide receiver for the New York Giants, recalls very little from the moment he sustained a concussion late in the fourth quarter of a game against the Dallas Cowboys on September 26. The last image that remains in his memory is the moment Giants quarterback Daniel Jones threw to him near the sideline. Moments later, as the ball neared his grasp, he was struck by Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs, causing him to tumble and hit his head against the turf at MetLife Stadium.
“It was definitely frightening not being able to recall what had just happened or the last play I participated in,” Nabers reflected on Friday, just a day after successfully passing the NFL’s concussion protocol. “It was pretty unsettling,” he added, noting that this concussion marked the first of his career. He believes he may have been knocked unconscious during the incident. Over the past three weeks, he dealt with persistent headaches and a throbbing sensation in his head.
As he prepares to potentially return to action this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium, Nabers is eager to make his comeback. The Giants, who currently hold a 2-4 record, will face off against the Eagles, who stand at 3-2. Although Nabers was added to the injury report this week due to a groin issue, he assured that it is a minor concern he has managed in the past.
This matchup will also see the return of former Giants player Saquon Barkley, who joined the Eagles as a free agent in March. Before his concussion, Nabers led the NFL with 35 receptions after just four games. He has missed the past two contests against Seattle and Cincinnati. Now, he is positioned seventh in total receptions and his 386 receiving yards place him at 14th in the league.
Despite his desire to take the field, Nabers expressed no frustration regarding the time he had to spend recovering, emphasizing that his health takes precedence. He is simply focused on making a positive impact this weekend.
Throughout his healing process, Nabers faced criticism for attending a Travis Scott concert held at MetLife Stadium. “That’s my personal choice,” he stated. “What I do outside of this facility is not for the media to judge or speculate on; that’s my own business.” He assured that he informed the Giants’ medical team about his attendance at the concert and noted that he managed well with both the lighting and sound at the event.
“I’ve been comfortable with loud music in my car since my concussion,” he added. “I’m used to bright lights and playing in an environment filled with excitement, so those factors didn’t adversely affect me.” Giants receivers coach Mike Groh mentioned on Friday that Nabers had not missed any team meetings due to his concussion, allowing for a smooth reintroduction into the team’s routine. Groh praised Nabers, highlighting his intelligence and ability to grasp complex concepts on the field.
“He is a quick learner and has a strong understanding of the game,” Groh noted. “He’s an instinctive player, both in practice and during games. When you see him in meetings and walkthroughs, it’s evident that he can manage a significant amount of information.”
Giants head coach Brian Daboll confirmed that punter Jamie Gillan (hamstring) would miss his second consecutive game, while cornerback Adoree Jackson is sidelined with a neck injury.