The annual spring ritual of optimism around the New York Giants’ facility hit another small snag this week, as head coach Brian Daboll offered a relatively lukewarm update on star wide receiver Malik Nabers’ health.
The second-year wideout is still rehabbing a toe injury that traces back to his LSU days, and while the team insists everything is under control, the tone from Daboll wasn’t exactly inspiring for fans.
Nabers has been present for OTAs, but his involvement has been limited to walk-throughs and light work on the sideline. He hasn’t taken any reps with the team’s quarterbacks, which include three new faces in Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and rookie Jaxson Dart.
According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, Brian Daboll said Malik Nabers is making progress with his toe injury. He’s been rehabbing and taking part in some walkthroughs. This comes a few weeks after Daboll's previous update where he told reporters they'd be smart with the handling of the injury.
The G-Men are hoping to take a real step forward this season, and Nabers is supposed to be the centerpiece of that plan. He was electric as a rookie, setting a franchise record with 109 catches and looking like the second coming of Odell Beckham Jr. The idea of slowing that momentum before training camp even begins isn’t panic-worthy yet, but it’s not nothing either.
Malik Nabers’ toe injury casts a quiet shadow over Giants’ offseason progress
There’s no debate about the value of caution in June. The Giants have made it clear they’re responsibly prioritizing Nabers’ long-term health, and after watching him gut through injuries last year, it makes sense to manage his workload. He doesn’t need to prove anything in June.
But this is still a player the Giants need at full capacity when the season starts. The entire offense will revolve around his ascension, and the sooner he gets back into rhythm with his new quarterbacks, the better. There’s also the simple reality that he hasn’t fully shaken this toe issue since college. It didn’t require surgery — the team still insists it doesn't — and the team has also said there haven't been any setbacks.
But any injury that lingers this long deserves attention.
For now, Daboll and Co. are saying the right things and treating it the right way. But the offense only works if Nabers is healthy—and after hearing Daboll’s update, it’s fair for fans to keep one eye open.