Malik Nabers Shines in Comeback Game

On Thursday, Malik Nabers expressed some lingering doubt about his surgically repaired right knee. It was clear that the memory of his injury, which had sidelined him for most of last season, was still in his thoughts.

However, by Sunday afternoon, he seemed to shed that hesitation completely. The Giants’ leading wide receiver looked strikingly similar to the impactful player he was during his rookie season and at the start of last year, before he tore his ACL and meniscus in Week 4.

Nabers made a notable contribution in the Giants’ 36-24 win over the Cardinals at MetLife Stadium, catching six passes for 112 yards—16 more than he had in the first three games of the season—and scoring a touchdown.

“I knew it was coming,” Nabers shared after the game, as Big Blue improved to 3-1, securing the top spot in the NFC East. “Everyone kept asking how I felt, and I felt good all week. But I didn’t want to jinx it, so I was trying to stay humble and wait for the game to come to me.”

Even so, Nabers was careful not to claim he was fully back. There were moments he felt he could have done more on the field, yet it was undeniably a significant step in the right direction.

He scored his first touchdown in over a year late in the first half, snagging a 25-yard pass from Jameis Winston. His last touchdown was on September 14, 2025. During that play, he found himself wide open, having outmaneuvered linebacker Mack Wilson Sr., while cornerback Garrett Williams couldn’t make it in time to assist.

“I had seen the look in practice and watched it on film,” Nabers recounted. “When he called the play, I was like, ‘Jameis, I’m about to be open.’ He just said, ‘I got you.’”

Later, he admitted, “Just getting back in the end zone felt great. I wasn’t sure how to celebrate, so I just kind of walked off.”

It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. Early in the game, on the Giants’ first drive, Nabers caught a 39-yard pass but landed awkwardly on his troublesome right shoulder. He had to leave the game for a bit but fortunately returned shortly after.

“I just fell on my shoulder, that’s it,” he explained.

Overall, it was a positive day for the Giants. This was their first time starting 3-0 at home since 2008, and they also honored the Super Bowl-winning team from 1986 during halftime, while their top offensive player rediscovered his rhythm.

“I felt good being out there,” Nabers stated. “I know I’m capable of more, and this is just a little taste of what I can do. I can definitely do more.”