First-round draft pick Malik Nabers left practice early on Sunday with a potential ankle sprain, overshadowing Evan Neal's return for the New York Giants.
The New York Giants welcomed back offensive lineman Evan Neal to practice on Sunday, but their joy was tempered by the departure of first-round draft pick Malik Nabers, who sustained a possible minor sprain to his left ankle.
Nabers, selected sixth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, left practice prematurely after being attended to by trainers on the sideline. The LSU product removed his shoe and sock, sat on a chest to observe the remainder of the workout, and limped off the field afterward. The Giants announced the ankle diagnosis approximately an hour later.
Nabers has been a standout performer at training camp, showcasing his ability to catch long passes from Daniel Jones and turn short receptions into significant gains. However, his availability for the media after the workout was limited.
Head Coach Brian Daboll expressed his intention for Jones to play in the Giants' second preseason game against the Houston Texans on Saturday. The third-year coach emphasized the importance of a successful week of practice for Jones to make his first game appearance since suffering a torn ACL against the Las Vegas Raiders in November 2022.
Jones, who underwent surgery around Thanksgiving, has been cleared to participate in preseason action. His performance will be closely monitored by the coaching staff.
The Giants will have a short turnaround before their preseason matchup against the Texans, and Nabers' status will be closely monitored throughout the week. His absence from practice raised concerns, but the team remains hopeful that the injury is not severe and that he will be able to contribute soon.
The return of Neal, a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, provides a boost to the Giants' offensive line. Neal, who missed the first preseason game due to a back injury, is expected to be a cornerstone of the Giants' offensive line for years to come.
Despite the injury scare involving Nabers, the Giants remain optimistic about their prospects for the upcoming season. They have several talented players in the offensive and defensive units, and they will be looking to build on their 1-0 record in preseason play as they prepare for the regular season.
