EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants are facing uncertainty regarding their top receiver Malik Nabers, who suffered a hip injury during practice. His availability for the upcoming matchup against the New Orleans Saints this Sunday is currently in question.
Initially, the Giants had listed the rookie on the injury report with a groin problem after Thursday’s practice. However, head coach Brian Daboll later clarified that it was a hip flexor injury, noting that Nabers would not participate in Friday’s practice session. During the week, Nabers has made significant contributions, recording 75 receptions for 740 yards and three touchdowns, and he underwent an MRI on Friday to further assess his condition. Coach Daboll expressed cautious optimism but acknowledged the unpredictability of injuries.
“Every injury is a little bit different,” Daboll commented. “I’m hopeful that he’ll be ready to play, but I can’t confirm he will or will not be available.”
The Giants, currently struggling with a 2-10 record, are looking to snap a seven-game losing streak when they take on the 4-8 Saints. In addition to Nabers, New York is dealing with multiple injury woes. Notable players like inside linebacker Bobby Okereke, who leads the team in tackles, as well as defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches and cornerback Deonte Banks, are not expected to be active this weekend after missing practices.
Concerns extend to the offensive line as well, with starting tackles Jermaine Eluemunor and Evan Neal facing limitations this week. Consequently, Chris Hubbard and Josh Ezeudu may take starting roles. The defensive tackle position is similarly plagued with injuries; along with Nunez-Roches, Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence has been placed on injured reserve due to an elbow issue, while D.J. Davidson and Jordon Riley are dealing with shoulder and knee injuries, respectively. This leaves rookie Elijah Chatman as the only healthy interior lineman heading into the game.
Defensive line coach Andre Patterson indicated that the team will likely need to rely on newly signed Cory Durden and possibly some members of the practice squad, such as Elijah Garcia or Casey Rogers, to step in against the Saints. “In the core of my body, I’m a teacher, right?” Patterson stated. “So I’ve been teaching these guys all this time, and on Sunday, they’re taking the SAT. We’ll find out how well they’ve studied and how effective my teaching has been.”
Additionally, if Okereke is unable to play, sixth-round draft pick Darius Muasau and Dyontae Johnson, who is prepared to return from injured reserve, will likely see an uptick in playing time.
