The New York Giants were forced to hold their breath on Sunday as rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, selected sixth overall in the 2024 NFL draft, left practice with an apparent injury.
Nabers was seen limping off to the sideline late in the session and did not return.
It’s unclear what led to the injury, but Nabers removed his shoe and touched the top of his left football before leaving the field with a trainer. He was later seen using a resistance band to stretch his foot/ankle.
Malik Nabers didn’t go inside after checking out of practice, but he’s clearly limping as practice ends. He was using a band to flex his left ankle/foot while sitting on a chest on the sideline.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) August 11, 2024
Nabers, who has been impressed throughout training camp, is fresh off a frustrating appearance in his NFL debut. He didn’t receive a single target in Thursday night’s 14-3 victory over the Detroit Lions despite being wide open on several routes.
“We had a plan. I wasn’t sure if I was playing. I did a very good job of getting open, but everything has to go my way to get the ball,” Nabers said, via the New York Post. “It was kind of slippery out there. I think I could’ve done a better job of creating separation, getting better looks for the QB to throw the ball in better spots. That’s all I can do — continue to do what I do.”
Before leaving the field on Sunday, Nabers made another big play, scoring on a 30-plus yard pass from quarterback Daniel Jones.
The Giants did not immediately provide an update on Nabers, but ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports the injury is a minor ankle sprain.
There is a belief it’s a minor ankle sprain for Malik Nabers. https://t.co/t7mHqGMzyW
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 11, 2024
The team is scheduled to return to practice on Monday morning. Head coach Brian Daboll will address reporters before they take the field.