Malik Nabers' Injury Timeline Updated by Giants' Harbaugh After 2nd Surgery, Recovery Not 'Simple'

As the New York Giants wrap up their first round of OTAs, head coach John Harbaugh has provided an update on Malik Nabers' recovery from the knee injury that prematurely ended his 2025 season.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Harbaugh said the goal is for Nabers to be ready for Week 1 but it may not come to fruition because his recovery is "not a simple" process.

"If he's out there, great. If he's not, great," Harbaugh added.

Nabers' season ended in Week 4 due to a knee injury that was later revealed to be both a torn ACL and meniscus. His surgery was also delayed one month after the injury initially occurred, but it wasn't expected to impact his recovery timeline.

The Athletic's Dan Duggan reported on May 13 that Nabers had another surgery a few weeks earlier that was described as a "clean up" of scar tissue around his knee that was causing stiffness.

Duggan did note the second procedure wasn't expected to impact Nabers' recovery timeline, with the Giants still hoping he would be ready for the start of the regular season.

The Giants' offseason moves could be seen as an indication they don't anticipate Nabers having too miss much, if any time, at the start of the season. They lost Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency to the Tennessee Titans, then signed Calvin Austin III and Darnell Mooney as depth.

Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields was the only offensive skill position player the Giants drafted. Austin and Darius Slayton are penciled in as the other starting receivers along with Nabers.

Expectations are high for the Giants after hiring Harbaugh and bringing in a promising draft class, led by first-round picks Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa.

Second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart is also hoping to take a step forward after a promising rookie campaign that was interrupted by injury issues. He still finished with 2,272 passing yards, 487 rushing yards and accounted for 24 touchdowns in 14 games.

A healthy season from Nabers will add another explosive element to New York's offense. He had 1,204 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie in 2024.

The Giants will open training camp in July, followed by starting the regular season on Sunday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 13.