Malik Nabers questionable as Giants monitor knee ahead of Cowboys opener

Lead

Malik Nabers will carry a questionable designation into the New York Giants’ Sunday night season opener against the Dallas Cowboys after being listed with a knee injury. Source 1Source 3Source 5

The designation comes despite Nabers being a full participant in all three practice sessions ahead of the Week 1 contest. Source 3Source 4

The Giants are continuing to monitor his availability and could leave their final decision until close to kick-off. Source 4Source 5

That makes Nabers’ status one of the principal late developments for New York as it prepares to open its campaign against Dallas. Source 1Source 3Source 5

The diagnosis

The current knee concern comes after a major right-knee injury in 2025, when Nabers suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in Week 4. Source 3Source 4

His recovery required surgery in October 2025 and a follow-up procedure in spring 2026. Source 3Source 4

Nabers returned for limited action during the 2025 season and recorded 18 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns. Source 4

Reports have indicated that Nabers views the choice of whether to play as one he must make himself, with the long-term implications for his career part of that consideration. Source 3Source 5

RotoWire also reported that head coach John Harbaugh described Nabers as ready to go while stressing a cautious approach to the receiver’s knee recovery. Source 4

The full practice participation provides a positive recent marker, but the questionable listing means the club has not yet committed to his Sunday night availability. Source 3Source 4Source 5

Sporting impact

If Nabers is unavailable, Odell Beckham Jr. is expected to assume a larger role within the Giants’ receiving group. Source 3

Nabers’ limited 2025 return still included 18 catches, 271 receiving yards and two scores, illustrating the production New York would be managing without if he sits. Source 4

Per HFC records, he was targeted 35 times in 2025 and averaged 15.1 yards per reception, while producing five catches of more than 20 yards and 11 receiving first downs. Source 6

Per HFC records, Nabers’ 2024 season featured 109 receptions, 1,204 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns. Source 7

Notes

The Giants’ final Week 1 injury report lists no other players with injuries, according to the available reporting. Source 5

That leaves Nabers’ availability as the key outstanding injury question identified for New York before the Cowboys game. Source 1Source 5

For now, the full practice week and the questionable designation point in different directions, with the Giants’ monitoring process set to determine whether he is cleared to take the field on Sunday night. Source 3Source 4Source 5