Malik Nabers, the wideout for the New York Giants, went back onto the field during Monday’s 28-6 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams after briefly departing with a shoulder issue.
His exit was part of a string of physical setbacks for key Giants personnel on Monday, which also included quarterback Jaxson Dart. First-string left tackle Andrew Thomas and standout edge rusher Brian Burns both departed the contest in the closing stages due to injuries, well after the final result was already clear.
Nabers: Shoulder is ‘doing fine’
Speaking to the press after the match, Nabers explained that his shoulder joint dislocated and that he is set for imaging tests. However, he reassured that his joint feels fine overall.
“My shoulder feels fine,” Nabers remarked. “I will have an X-ray done to evaluate the situation. … It slipped out of place, so I simply forced it back in.”
Before getting hurt, Nabers had recorded just a single reception gaining one yard. Following his return to action with reserve quarterback Jameis Winston leading the offense, he did not secure any more receptions. His availability for upcoming games remains uncertain until the X-ray results are analyzed.
Nabers hurts shoulder after missed catch in opening quarter
The rookie pass-catcher was seen holding his right shoulder in obvious discomfort after dropping a heavily defended throw near the end of the first period.
He headed to the locker room, with the Giants officially designating his return as questionable due to the shoulder problem.
During the Rams’ subsequent drive, New York’s medical staff continued evaluating and treating his shoulder on the sideline, allowing him to rejoin the offense on the very next drive while the Giants trailed 14-0.
Jaxson Dart suspected of sustaining an MCL sprain
Nabers’ injury occurred just moments after the starting signal-caller, Dart, exited due to a knee issue. Although the Giants designated both Dart and Nabers as questionable, the quarterback did not rejoin the game even when his wide receiver did.
According to postgame updates, diagnostic imaging showed no fractures, and it is suspected that Dart suffered an MCL sprain. Winston assumed quarterback duties following Dart’s departure, but the Giants’ offense was unable to find the end zone against a tough Rams defense.
Andrew Thomas and Brian Burns among late-game casualties
To make matters worse, New York suffered two additional prominent injuries as the game wound down. Thomas exited during the team’s last offensive drive with what was diagnosed as a groin strain. Shortly after, Burns required assistance to reach the sideline in the final minutes after getting hurt while trying to make a tackle.
Following the game, Burns assured the media that his diagnosis was merely a low-ankle sprain and characterized it as “nothing major.”
Addressing Thomas’ condition after the game, coach Harbaugh commented, “we will evaluate that soon,” while emphasizing that “none of these health concerns are catastrophic.” He refrained from providing any specific details regarding Thomas’ medical status.
Whether Burns and Thomas will be available for the Week 3 matchup against the Tennessee Titans and subsequent games remained up in the air after the game ended.
This proved to be a challenging setback for the Giants following their surprising Week 1 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The franchise is now hoping that Dart can make a swift recovery similar to Nabers’ quick return.
