The wait is finally over. New York Giants wideout Malik Nabers underwent surgery Tuesday to repair his torn ACL, per Giants insider Art Stapleton:
Giants WR Malik Nabers had his ACL surgery today. On the road to recovery
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) October 28, 2025
It’s been nearly a month since he went down in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and fans had been quietly spiraling over the delayed surgery. As it turns out, the team was just following the long-established script: let the swelling go down, get the knee stronger, and then go under the knife.
Nabers, who also suffered a meniscus tear, had been going through pre-hab over the past several weeks — a common practice aimed at improving long-term recovery outcomes. Still, when clips surfaced of him dancing at Ciara’s birthday party over the weekend, the reaction was... mixed. Tuesday’s update puts those concerns to bed, at least for now.
Related: Malik Nabers nightclub video surfaces at worst possible time for Giants
Now comes the long road back. ACL recoveries typically run 9–12 months, so there’s a decent shot Nabers will be pushing up against the start of 2026 training camp. Every recovery is different, but with his age, talent, and medical timeline now on track, Big Blue Nation can exhale — cautiously.
Malik Nabers finally starts recovery after ACL surgery, eyes return in 2026
Before his injury, the former LSU star was quickly becoming everything the Giants hoped for when they drafted him No. 6 overall in 2024.
After a record-setting rookie season, through just three-plus games in Year 2, he tallied 18 catches for 271 yards and two touchdowns, all while mostly catching passes from Russell Wilson. Now officially on the road to recovery, his focus will shift entirely to getting ready for next year.
Big Blue's offense hasn’t been the same since he went down, and they’ve since lost rookie fire hydrant-turned running back Cam Skattebo to a dislocated ankle. The number of active receivers on the roster who can consistently get open and win 50-50 balls is zero. Which is pretty terrible news for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. It’s been a rough month, but this injury update on Nabers is the first real silver lining fans have had in a minute.
But considering how fluid his footwork looked at that Ciara party, maybe he’ll be ready to suit up Sunday vs. the San Francisco 49ers. Kidding... mostly. Here's to a speedy recovery for No. 1.