Malik Nabers Making Progress from Concussion, Giants 'Optimistic' About Week 7 Return

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, who has missed two games after suffering a concussion, has made "progress" and will practice in a non-contact jersey Wednesday.

There's also hope that he'll make the next step in the concussion protocol Thursday and optimism that he returns Sunday at home against the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Brian Daboll told reporters on Wednesday.

Nabers suffered a concussion after attempting to make a catch in the fourth quarter of the Giants' 20-15 home loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 26.

The rookie out of LSU has been sensational in four games for the Giants, catching 35 passes for 386 yards and three touchdowns.

He was particularly impressive in his most recent three games, amassing 10 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown against the Washington Commanders before posting 8/78/2 and 12/115 stat lines versus the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys, respectively.

Based on Daboll's comments, Nabers is in phase four of the protocol, which allows him to participate in non-contact football activities. The final stage involves clearance from both a club physician and an independent neurological consultant, allowing for full participation in the team's next practice or game.

If Nabers isn't cleared by Sunday, then his next chance to go will be on Monday, Oct. 28 at the Pittsburgh Steelers. But the Giants should certainly hope Nabers will be cleared in time for the Eagles matchup, a pivotal game against the NFC East rivals.

New York has fallen to 2-4 and is losing ground in the playoff race, and the offense has largely sputtered all year. Last Sunday was a low point as the team scored just seven points in a winnable game before falling 17-7 to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Nabers, of course, will help the offensive cause. The Giants' offense took another big hit on Wednesday, with news that left tackle Andrew Thomas is expected miss the remainder of the season:

So while Nabers may be returning, the Giants will have to figure out the tackle situation in the meantime. New York also has to monitor defensive stars Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns, who missed practice Wednesday with hip and groin injuries, respectively.