When Will Malik Nabers Return to Giants? Latest Report Ahead of Surgery on Knee Injury

The New York Giants reportedly have more clarity on the recovery timeline for star receiver Malik Nabers.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that Nabers is set to undergo surgery to repair his torn ACL and meniscus "later this week," and he "should be good to go for next season."

Nabers suffered the devastating injuries in a Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, ending what was expected to be a special year following his Pro Bowl rookie season. Despite missing the last three games, his 271 receiving yards still ranks second on the Giants, who are 2-5 entering Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Rapoport went on to explain what's caused the delay in Nabers' surgery, saying it's actually part of the plan.

"As far as why it's taken a month between the injury and surgery, there's something called 'pre-hab,' which is essentially when players strengthen and stretch the area around the knee just to make rehab better when he eventually has surgery. It's coming," Rapoport said.

While it hasn't been easy to get over the loss of Nabers, having him back next year fuels more hope for the future for the Giants. The team has one of the most promising young players in the league in rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has shown flashes of superstar potential since taking over as the starter. He will surely benefit from having Nabers on the outside in 2026.

For now, Dart and company will have to continue to forge ahead without Nabers as they try to earn their second win over the NFC East rival Eagles this season.