After an outstanding last season, the expectation for the New York Giants’ second-year star could not be higher, especially with an improved quarterback room. However, those expectations have already hit a roadblock as Nabers missed the preseason and has been sidelined for weeks. This has raised questions about his readiness. So what’s the realistic expectation for the Giants star’s return?
When Will Nabers Return?
Giants star Malik Nabers dealt with multiple injuries during training camp. This has raised questions about his availability for Week 1. Aside from camp injuries, Nabers has been dealing with a toe injury that dates back to the final year at LSU. However, the apparent lack of progress was somewhat alarming.
"I don't speak a lot, but when it's necessary to speak, I will speak. When things are not going well, I will speak my opinions and try to get everybody on the same page."
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) August 27, 2025
Malik Nabers talks about being more outspoken in his second season: pic.twitter.com/TX8eYn1RAt
Which is why Nabers wanted to set the record straight and let everyone know that although he was not at full strength earlier in the offseason, he intends to be out there for the season opener.
“I feel good,” said Nabers.
“I know it’s been a little ride, but right now, I feel good… I feel like I’m always ready. When it’s game time with those lights on, I believe my body is going to turn it on. I’m going to be ready to roll.”
Malik Nabers and His Relationship With Quarterback Russell Wilson’s
New York Giants quarterback Wilson has time and again stated that his move to the Big Apple was inspired by none other than Malik Nabers. Wilson has always spoken highly of his wideout.
There have been some concerns that Nabers’ absence from practice could disrupt his camaraderie with the veteran quarterback. However, the Super Bowl champion quickly dismissed those worries, saying,
“Malik and I have gotten a lot of time together. I trust his work ethic, his ability to get open. Obviously, I’ve spent a lot of time with him, throwing the football. When he is out there and when he has been, we’ve been lights out on everything that we’ve done. I think he’s been special for us,”
Nabers’ absence has led Wilson to develop a strong rapport with other receivers on the team.
“I think that you see other guys step up. I thought guys made good plays. That’s what we need. We want to facilitate the ball to the right guy at the right time. We want to be able to do that, and obviously, Malik’s a key part to that,” Wilson continued.
Similarly, Nabers also clarified the concerns about their chemistry, as he did not get to have as many reps with Wilson.
“With the spring, I wasn’t able to really do those types of things because I was dealing with what I had going on at the time. I still was continuing to get catches after practice with him, seeing what he sees and what he thinks, continue to watch football with him, hearing his thoughts, how he wants things to be run, asking me how I like things to be run I think we’ve been on the same page a lot,” Nabers admitted.
Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, Nabers is optimistic about building chemistry with Wilson and expects it to grow naturally over time.
“That connection’s going to keep growing. It can never be as great as we want it to be but it’s going to be as good as we hope it’s going to be, but we continue to still get work, try to get those catches in and out, but the relationship has been going great,” the Pro Bowler added.
