The plane with the banner didn’t actually fly over MetLife Stadium, but the mood after the game was overshadowed by something much darker.
Star receiver Malik Nabers is worried he might have torn his ACL in his right knee, which could end his season.
Coach Brian Dabor commented, “It’s unfortunate; injuries are just part of this business. Malik’s injuries are tough for us. We’ll evaluate it, but he’s a vital part of our team. However, we have to move on to the next guy.”
In the locker room, there was only one moment that felt somber amidst all the laughter—Nabers’ name came up.
“Aw man,” Brian Burns expressed, “I didn’t think it would be that serious. My heart goes out to him. I know how hard he works and what he aims to achieve this season. But he’ll come back stronger.”
Nabers, who, well, was nowhere to be found after the game, will undergo an MRI on Monday to confirm the initial diagnosis and check for any additional damage to ligaments or his meniscus.
“Damn,” added Cavon Thibodeaux, reacting to the grim uncertainty. “That hurts. I hate to say it, but we didn’t shift our focus away from him. He’s crucial to our team, yet it’s next man up—that’s how this goes.”
Nabers is certainly the top offensive playmaker for the Giants, and it’s a tough blow as they were hoping to build a connection with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
In his first career start, Dart managed to connect with Nabers twice for 20 yards, plus an extra 14 yards thanks to a defensive penalty, during the opening touchdown drive.
The home fans were indeed restless, hoping the plane flying overhead would convey their frustrations to owner John Mara. Yet when Nabers clutched his knee in agony, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. As he was assisted from the field, Nabers waved to the crowd, but soon buried his face in a towel in despair.
“Malik is one of us,” Dart noted. “Having him on the field boosts everyone’s confidence; he’s the type of player who can change the game.”
Darius Slayton took a moment to talk to Nabers at halftime. “I told him we’re all praying for him, that we’ve got his back, and we’re finishing this game for him,” Slayton recounted. “He didn’t say much; he looked pretty down.”
