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Malik Nabers’ Return Uncertain After Second Knee Procedure, Harbaugh Won’t Promise Week 1

A offseason clean‑up to remove scar tissue has complicated rehab and could push back the receiver’s return to game speed.

Overview

  • Giants coach John Harbaugh said on Thursday that the goal is for Malik Nabers to get on the field during training camp and be ready for Week 1 but he would not guarantee availability for the Sept. 13 opener.
  • Nabers tore his right ACL and damaged his meniscus in Week 4 of 2025 and had reconstructive surgery on Oct. 28 before undergoing a second offseason procedure to remove scar tissue that caused stiffness.
  • The second surgery has pushed the recovery into a difficult middle phase that Harbaugh called the “slog,” and league insiders including Adam Schefter have voiced growing doubt about Nabers being cleared for opening night.
  • New York has added receiver depth this offseason — signing Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III and drafting Malachi Fields — as a precaution and has discussed veteran options to cover any early absence.
  • Key checkpoints for a clearer timetable are mandatory minicamp in June and training camp in late July, at which point the Giants will decide whether to manage Nabers’ workload with lists or a delayed return that could affect Jaxson Dart’s offseason development.