In Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season, the New York Giants hosted the Los Angeles Chargers. That also happened to be rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart’s first start. The Giants were underdogs against the Chargers, but they snuck out a 21-18 win. During the victory, New York lost their top wide receiver for the season. Pro Bowler Malik Nabers’ knee injury was at the forefront on Wednesday afternoon.
Nabers reportedly had a second procedure on his knee, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Sources told Duggan that this second surgery took place “multiple weeks ago.” The Giants remain hopeful that Nabers will be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season. Head coach John Harbaugh told the media that Nabers’ timeline “is going to be more into training camp and closer to the season.” Should New York be worried Nabers won’t be ready for Week 1?
What Should the Giants Think About Malik Nabers’ Knee injury Heading Into 2026?
Malik Nabers’ Initial Injury Happened in Late September
As previously mentioned, the Giants beat the Chargers 21-18 in Week 4 of the 2025 season. That game was played on September 28. The same day, Nabers suffered an unfortunate knee injury in the first half. He tore his ACL and meniscus and missed New York’s final 13 games. One month after the initial injury, Nabers had surgery on October 28. Since then, the young wide receiver has been rehabbing and working to be ready for 2026.
NFL insiders reported a Malik Nabers knee injury update on Wednesday. The former first-round pick was dealing with knee stiffness. To relieve his pain, Nabers had a second procedure. It was described as a clean-up surgery, but he is reportedly on track to return for Week 1.
Can Nabers Get Back to His Pro Bowl Gorm?
Despite a rotating cast of quarterbacks in his rookie year, Nabers still made his presence felt. After being drafted in 2024, he has continued to exceed expectations. He finished 2024 with 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns.
Nabers holds the NFL record for most receptions by a wide receiver (109) in their first professional season. That was enough to earn Pro Bowl honors as a rookie.
The young receiver had adversity in 2025 and is looking to bounce back in year three. Former NFL head team doctor David J. Chao shared his thoughts on Malik Nabers’ knee injury. He shared, “Not necessarily a disaster but certainly not good news.” Certainly not what fans want to hear.
What Pass Catchers Will Step Up for New York if Nabers is Not Himself?
Several offensive players have been added to the Giants’ roster ahead of the 2026 season. After losing Wan’Dale Robinson to the Tennessee Titans, the team needed to add depth in the wide receiver room. Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III signed one-year contracts with New York. Additionally, the Giants used a third-round draft pick to select Malachi Fields out of Notre Dame.
New York traded up into the third round and took the big-bodied receiver. Fields could be a potential starter for the Giants in year one. His skill set and athletic profile are unique on this team. General manager Joe Schoen reportedly envisions Fields playing a specific role in the offense.
Tight end Isaiah Likley also signed a three-year, $40 million deal to follow Harbaugh to New York. He is another target for Dart and a player who offers positional versatility.
The Malik Nabers’ knee injury is concerning for the young wide receiver moving forward. However, the team has built depth at that posistion this offseason. New York has several players who could step up if Nabers is not ready.
Ideally, he is available for Week 1, and the Giants have nothing to worry about. However, there is still a chance that Nabers is not himself and has to begin the year on the PUP list and miss the first four games.