EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – New York Giants star wide receiver Malik Nabers is expected to play Sunday against the Washington Commanders, despite not participating in the final practice of the week due to back stiffness. Nabers was not included in the injured designation for the Week 1 matchup against the division rival. The same cannot be said for star left tackle Andrew Thomas, who is listed as doubtful while recovering from a Lisfranc injury from last year. The Giants decided to “take precautions” with Nabers in Friday’s practice. He was not on the practice field during the portion of the workout open to the media. Even so, the Giants don’t seem to be very worried.
It’s especially noteworthy that Nabers didn’t participate for almost two weeks this summer due to a minor back issue. At the time, it wasn’t considered serious. A source described Nabers’ back injury as nothing more than “normal camp strain.” Nabers also downplayed the situation last week. He called it “something minor”. The presence of the receiver in his second year is vital for the Giants. He is their undisputed number 1 receiver. Nabers had 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. The 109 receptions were a record for the Giants. Thomas can be just as indispensable for the Giants. New York has a 3-15 record without him in the lineup in the last two seasons. The All-Pro tackle returns after a Lisfranc injury last season that required surgery. He spent most of the summer on the physically unable to play list. Thomas was activated from the PUP list several weeks ago, but Friday was the first time he participated in live team drills this year.It will be fine. It will be fine.
Daboll
Thomas said he is managing the pain and discomfort. The main factor in being ready for a game will be the risk of re-injury. It is now very unlikely that he will be ready for the opening match.I thought it was a good day.
Thomas
We’ll see. I’ve been talking to the coaches. We’ll see and we’ll make that decision.
Thomas
