Harbaugh Optimistic on Nabers’ Week 1 Availability as Giants Receiver Progresses in Training Camp

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh offered an encouraging assessment Monday regarding the status of wide receiver Malik Nabers for the team’s season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 13. Harbaugh told reporters it is “reasonable to assume” the 2024 first-round pick will be available to play, signaling meaningful progress for the receiver who suffered a torn ACL and meniscus damage in Week 4 last season.

Nabers practiced Monday without wearing a red non-contact jersey, marking a significant milestone in his recovery process. The receiver moved noticeably well during 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills, prompting Harbaugh to note he was “moving the best we’ve seen him look.” The coach indicated he would be comfortable allowing Nabers to participate in contact during practices as part of his gradual return to full participation.

Medical staff have reported positive progress with Nabers’ rehabilitation, according to Harbaugh, who emphasized the receiver is “strong” and “in a good place.” The coach expressed confidence in the methodical approach taken with Nabers, noting the team wanted to avoid jumping directly from no contact to full participation heading into the regular season.

Nabers himself indicated last week his eagerness to return, stating “my soul has been dead for so long” and noting the competitiveness within him is resurfacing. The Ole Miss product had 1,204 receiving yards in 15 games during his 2024 rookie season and will pair with quarterback Jaxson Dart, a 2025 draft pick who threw 24 total touchdowns last season.

The Giants face the Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in a primetime matchup at 8:20 p.m. ET. Nabers is not expected to see action in the team’s final preseason game against the New York Jets this week.