Malik Nabers underwent a second knee procedure to clean up some things, but the Giants are optimistic he'll be good for Week 1.
The New York Giants announced some news that may make fans panic as Malik Nabers underwent a second knee procedure referred to as a “cleanup” surgery in order to remove some scar tissue in his right ACL that’s causing some stiffness. He had his original ACL surgery to repair the torn ACL performed by Dallas Cowboys team physician Dr. Daniel Cooper on Oct. 28, along with a full meniscus repair that typically confounds recovery and makes it more complex.
Initially, the Giants were optimistic that Nabers would be good to go for training camp in July, but that’s now moved back to later in the summer. There is still hope that Nabers will be available to open the season against the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football on Sept. 13.
Nabers had a sensational rookie season, setting a franchise record 109 catches for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024. He was on track to have a strong start in 2025 with 18 catches for 271 yards and two touchdowns before he suffered the injury in Week 4. In just 19 career games, he has 127 receptions, which is second in NFL history through 20 games behind Odell Beckham Jr.
To read more about the recent update and what it means for the upcoming season, here’s the full story from Giants Roundtable writer Matthew Schmidt.
New York has taken time to build that room with Nabers out, adding Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III in free agency and drafting rookie Malachi Fields, who they traded up in the third round for out of Notre Dame. Intriguingly, they also worked out Beckham Jr., who Nabers trails in the record books. They will have a lot more uncertainty in 2026 if Nabers isn’t ready to suit up for Week 1.
