The New York Giants are in the midst of a storm, and their injury troubles are only getting worse.
Wide receiver Malik Nabers is the latest to join the injury list, suffering a hip flexor injury during practice on December 5. According to FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Nabers underwent an MRI and will not practice on December 6. While a final decision on his availability for Week 14’s game against the New Orleans Saints will be made later that day, the timing of the injury—so close to Sunday’s game—puts his participation in serious doubt.
If Nabers is unavailable for the game, the Giants will likely rely more heavily on wide receivers Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, and slot specialist Wan’Dale Robinson to step up and fill the void.
Nabers’ Rookie Year Hampered by Injuries and Quarterback Instability
Nabers entered the 2024 season with high expectations for his rookie year, and early on, it seemed like those goals were within reach. However, a series of injuries—including a concussion, a persistent groin issue, and the Giants’ constant changes at quarterback—have hindered his progress.
As the team heads into Week 14, Nabers has accumulated 75 receptions for 740 yards and 3 touchdowns. While he is on pace for over 1,000 yards by season’s end, further setbacks could prevent him from reaching that milestone, which seemed almost certain back in September.
Positive Update on Rookie Tight End Theo Johnson’s Recovery
In other injury news, rookie tight end Theo Johnson, who underwent season-ending foot surgery after suffering an injury on Thanksgiving, is on track for a full recovery. According to NorthJersey.com reporter Art Stapleton, Johnson’s injury was a fifth metatarsal fracture, not a Lisfranc injury, which is a more serious condition that affects foot stability. Johnson is expected to recover and return to the field in 2025.
Giants’ Growing Injury List Ahead of Saints Game
The Giants’ injury list for Week 14 continues to grow. Along with long-term absences like Johnson and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, several other key players are questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the Saints. The Athletic’s Dan Duggan reported that wide receiver Malik Nabers (hip), offensive lineman Chris Hubbard, defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches (neck/shoulder), linebacker Bobby Okereke (back), and cornerback Dru Phillips were all missing from practice on December 6.
Head coach Brian Daboll did not rule out Nunez-Roches or Okereke for Sunday, but both have missed practice all week. Cornerback Deonte Banks (rib) was seen running on the side with trainers, making it unlikely that he’ll play. Offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) also didn’t participate much in practice, so his status for Sunday remains uncertain.
The Giants’ growing injury woes only add to the challenges they face as they prepare to take on the Saints.
