In a gripping “Thursday Night Football” matchup, Malik Nabers showcased his talent for the New York Giants, even as he exited the game with a concussion during a 20-15 defeat against the Dallas Cowboys.
Late in the fourth quarter, Nabers sustained the injury while attempting to catch a fourth-down pass from Daniel Jones. As he made the play near the sideline, he fell hard, landing on his head and right shoulder without any support to cushion his fall.
Here’s a summary of the injury and its implications for the Giants:
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Nabers’ concussion occurred on the Giants’ second-to-last drive. He struggled to complete a fourth-and-6 reception while trying to keep his feet in bounds. After the fall, he lay on the sideline briefly before being helped into a seated position, helmet off. He then walked to the blue medical tent and later moved to the locker room, where he remained for the rest of the game.
Shortly after Nabers left the field, the Giants confirmed he had suffered a concussion and would not return. Head coach Brian Daboll didn’t provide any updates on his condition during the postgame press conference, stating, “He was with the doctors right before I came in here. I’ll see him right after.”
In the event Nabers has to miss upcoming games, Jalin Hyatt, currently the Giants’ No. 4 receiver, is expected to step up. A third-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, Hyatt has made 23 receptions for 373 yards as a rookie but entered Week 4 without a catch this season, having played just 38 offensive snaps.
If Nabers is sidelined, Wan’Dale Robinson would likely emerge as the Giants’ primary receiver. Robinson was targeted 14 times against the Cowboys, catching 11 passes for 71 yards. Veteran Darius Slayton is also anticipated to receive increased opportunities.
Nabers had been the offensive star for the Giants before his injury, leading the team with 15 targets and 12 receptions for 115 yards. He has recorded an impressive 35 catches for 388 yards and three touchdowns in his first four NFL games, proving to be the dynamic playmaker the Giants envisioned when they selected him sixth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.