Giants Rookie Malik Nabers Exits Practice: Latest on Receiver's Status

By Jason Bolton July 30, 2025 10:27

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers exited practice early on July 29, 2025, after sustaining a shoulder injury during the team’s training camp in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The incident occurred during the first 11-on-11 series of the day while Nabers was acting as a blocker on a running play. He appeared to land awkwardly, grabbed his left shoulder in pain, and walked off the field under his own power with the assistance of head trainer Ronnie Barnes, raising immediate concern among Giants fans and observers .

Fortunately, initial reports from NFL Network and team sources indicate that the injury is not believed to be serious. Nabers was taken to the locker room for further evaluation, and coaches described his removal from practice as a precautionary measure. With a scheduled team rest day on Wednesday, the earliest he is expected to return to practice will be Thursday. Giants insiders expressed cautious optimism that Nabers would recover quickly and not suffer any long-term setbacks, underscoring the importance of managing his recovery carefully.

The injury came as a jarring moment for the Giants, considering Nabers’ vital role in the offense. Last season, as a rookie, Nabers posted outstanding numbers starting with 109 receptions, 1,204 yards, and seven touchdowns despite quarterback instability. He emerged as the clear offensive focal point for the Giants, and his chemistry with 2024 MVP quarterback Russell Wilson has been a key storyline during the offseason and camp progress.

Giants fans and analysts reacted strongly to the injury scare. As reported by media commentator Marshall Green, Nabers is regarded as indispensable to the Giants' offensive success. He is often viewed as the player no opposing defensive back can effectively guard, making his availability crucial for the team’s 2025 postseason aspirations. Green and other analysts urged patience and precaution, with hopes that Nabers could be “put in bubble wrap” to avoid further injury before the regular season eventually kicks off.

Head coach Brian Daboll and the Giants’ medical and coaching staff are expected to monitor Nabers closely through the week. Though his injury was described as a shoulder issue with no structural damage evident initially, maintaining his health will be a focal point given the Giants’ already thin offensive roster depth. Daboll has previously emphasized a cautious approach to managing player workload, especially with key offensive weapons at stake.

From a broader perspective, Nabers’ injury spotlighted the New York Giants’ relative inactivity in enhancing their offensive personnel during the offseason, focusing more resources on shoring up their defense. While the team’s front office made notable moves to improve pass rush and secondary positions, little was done to augment the receiving corps beyond Nabers, heightening the stakes of his availability as the offense heads into a competitive 2025 NFL campaign.

Malik Nabers’ walk-off from practice due to a shoulder injury has understandably caused concern but currently appears to be a minor setback as the Giants carefully manage his recovery. His proven track record as a rookie star and vital offensive cog makes his health paramount. Giants fans will watch closely over the next few days for updates, hoping Nabers returns to full strength to continue his ascent as one of the league’s rising wide receivers.