Malik Nabers’ Promising Update: 1 Minor Setback Before Week 1

New York Giants’ star rookie receiver held back in practice with a tight back, but Coach Daboll confirms he will play against the Commanders.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – A slight murmur of concern spread through the New York Giants fanbase on Wednesday, but it was quickly quelled by head coach Brian Daboll. The source of the worry? Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the team’s electrifying first-round pick, was spotted on the practice field with a minor back issue.

Addressing the media, Daboll provided a transparent and reassuring update. He confirmed that Nabers’ back was a “little tight” and, as a precautionary measure, the coaching staff would “back down on Malik” during the day’s practice session. This careful approach is standard procedure for the Giants when managing a key player’s health, especially with the high-stakes Week 1 matchup against the division-rival Washington Commanders just days away.

The most critical takeaway from Daboll’s press conference was his definitive prognosis: Nabers will be “OK for Sunday.” This statement will come as a massive relief to Giants players, coaches, and fans alike, all of whom are banking on Nabers to instantly transform a passing offense that struggled significantly last season. His dynamic playmaking ability is seen as the primary catalyst for a much-needed offensive revival.

In a related piece of excellent news for the Giants’ offense, Daboll also announced that left tackle Andrew Thomas would return to practice and “do some team stuff.” Thomas, the team’s premier offensive lineman, had missed the previous day’s session, and his presence protecting quarterback Daniel Jones’ blind side is paramount to the unit’s success. Having both Thomas on the line and Nabers as a primary target dramatically raises the ceiling for the Giants’ attack heading into the opener.

Fantasy Football Impact: A Must-Start Asset

For the massive community of fantasy football managers who invested a high draft pick in Malik Nabers, this news is the green light they were hoping for. The analysis remains unchanged: if Nabers is on the field, he is an automatic must-start fantasy option.

The reasoning is sound. Nabers is not just a starter; he is the unequivocal WR1 on this Giants roster and has a very real chance to lead all NFL rookie wide receivers in target share. The offense is expected to funnel a high volume of passes his way, making him a central figure in every game script. The only lingering question for fantasy purposes is not about volume, but about efficiency—how productive he and quarterback Daniel Jones can be with those opportunities.

This Week 1 matchup against the Washington Commanders is particularly juicy. Facing a divisional opponent often leads to higher-scoring, more competitive games. Nabers’ route-running prowess and ability to create separation should allow him to exploit the Commanders’ secondary. Fantasy experts are confidently projecting a WR1 outcome for the rookie, meaning he is expected to finish within the top 12 fantasy receivers for the week. Sitting him because of a “little tight” back would be a monumental mistake.

Looking Ahead

The Giants’ handling of Nabers is a sign of a mature, forward-thinking organization. Rather than pushing their prized rookie through a mid-week practice, they are prioritizing his long-term health and availability. This “better safe than sorry” approach ensures that Nabers will be at or near 100% when the lights shine brightest at MetLife Stadium this Sunday.

All signs point to Malik Nabers suiting up, starting, and being a focal point of the game plan as the New York Giants begin their 2025 campaign. The minor hiccup with his back appears to be nothing more than a footnote on the path to what the organization hopes will be a spectacular debut.