Perry Knotts/Getty ImagesNew York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers’ ankle injury is “nothing serious,” per Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports.
Nabers will sit out Tuesday’s practice due to the injury, but Daboll said his absence will not be “long-term,” per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
Raanan previously reported that Nabers was believed to have suffered a “minor” left ankle sprain during practice on Sunday.
Jordan Raanan @JordanRaananMalik Nabers says he’s feeling “good.” No pain in his ankle.
Any doubt he’s ready for Week 1: “No doubt.” pic.twitter.com/IlLEdOyD2l
The No. 6 pick of the 2024 draft was listed as the Giants’ top wide receiver on the team’s first unofficial depth chart of the season.
The rookie receiver suffered a non-contact injury during Sunday’s practice, after which he removed his cleat and received attention on the sideline, Michael Eisen reported for Giants.com.
Nabers sat out Monday’s practice after Daboll described him as “a little sore.”
“I don’t think it’s fractured. … He just twisted up a little bit, wasn’t on contact or anything like that,” Daboll said Monday, per Eisen.
Nabers then underwent an MRI and X-Ray to confirm Daboll’s assessment, per Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News.
He was more of a participant in practice Tuesday, joining the team for stretches before working out with training staff on a stationary bike, per Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic and Art Stapleton of North Jersey.com.
The Giants have a day off on Wednesday, but Nabers could rejoin the team for Thursday practice, Stapleton reported. The team returns to preseason action against the Houston Texans on Saturday.
Charlotte Carroll @charlottecrrllMalik Nabers won’t practice today but on the field for stretching. Wasn’t out here yesterday after suffering ankle injury Sunday #giants pic.twitter.com/n8Xclgtr6e
Art Stapleton @art_stapletonMalik Nabers is outside and stretching with team. Not in full pads like rest of guys, and he won’t practice today, but Giants could get him back as soon as Thursday, at least in individuals. Smart to be cautious. Riding stationary bike with training staff as positions begin.
Nabers made his Giants debut during preseason action against the Detroit Lions on Thursday but did not record any receptions despite calling for targets when open. He did, however, record the first tackle of his NFL career.
Daboll will hope for his quick return as they look to set up Nabers as a top target for Daniel Jones in what could be a make-or-break season for the Giants quarterback.
The Giants have meanwhile received other good injury news this week as tackle Evan Neal, who is recovering from an ankle injury, and center John Michael Schmitz, who suffered a shoulder injury during camp, both returned to practice on Sunday.
Source : Bleacher Report