Former LSU WR Malik Nabers Eying Remarkable Comeback From Knee Injury

By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter

LSU’s all-time leading receiver, Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, is pushing to return from a major knee injury Week 1 against the Cowboys. On Monday, the 23-year-old participated in full-speed live drills for the first time since tearing his ACL and meniscus during the Giants’ Week 4 game against the Chargers in September of last year.

“Felt good getting some team reps, getting out there, catching the football,” Nabers said after practice on Monday.

New York initially hoped the 2024 Pro Bowler could be available for the start of training camp, but Nabers’ timeline was pushed back after he underwent a second, cleanup procedure on his knee in May. He had his first knee surgery in October and experienced stiffness during his rehab due to scar tissue.

Former LSU WR Malik Nabers Is Out For The Season With Knee Injury

Nabers avoided the physically unable to perform list when camp kicked off and had been limited to individual drills. He participated in his first team drills last Thursday in a no-physicality practice.

“My soul’s been dead for so long just being away from the game,” Nabers said. “Just getting out there and having my teammates behind me kind of felt that soul come back to life out there.”

Nabers had an electric rookie season after being drafted No. 6 overall in 2024. In 15 games, he racked up 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. He ranked seventh in the NFL in receiving yards and second among rookies behind LSU teammate Brian Thomas Jr.

NFL Draft Profile: LSU’s Malik Nabers is the second receiver taken in the draft

While Nabers was excited to get back on the field, he said he has no plans of trying to rush back before he is fully ready.

“The most important thing is my health,” he said. “I’m taking each step accordingly or just making sure my body feels good with taking the next step week by week or day by day or whatever they want to do. So, just letting them know how my body feels just so I can take it more.”

Nabers caught 189 passes for 3,003 yards and 21 touchdowns. The Youngsville native was a consensus All-American in 2023 as he ranked second in the nation with 1,569 receiving yards and third with 14 touchdown catches. He was the leading receiver for 2023 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels and was a finalist for the 2023 Biletnikoff Award for college football’s top receiver. Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. won over Nabers and Washington WR Rome Odunze by one vote.