Following an outstanding 2024 rookie campaign, Giants WR Malik Nabers appeared in only three full games before tearing his ACL in Week 4 of the 2025 season.
After missing most of last season, attention has been on Nabers’ recovery throughout the offseason, and the time has finally arrived to see if the Giants’ star wideout can suit up on Sunday Night Football vs. the Cowboys.
Ahead of Sunday, September 13’s Cowboys vs. Giants game, let’s look at the latest Malik Nabers injury update and if he will play in Week 1. Plus, we’ll cover how Nabers’ status impacts fantasy football and player picks for PrizePicks.
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Malik Nabers Injury Update: Is Nabers Playing in Week 1?
About a week and a half ago, we looked at Nabers’ injury news, and it mostly featured positive updates with the team awaiting official medical clearance.
With two days before Sunday Night Football, all signs are pointing to Nabers making his return nearly 12 months after the torn ACL. The Giants’ official injury report listed their WR1 as a full participant at practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and he was once again seen on the field on Friday.
On Wednesday, head coach John Harbaugh commented on Nabers’ chances of playing in Week 1: “I think he’s ready to go.” A day later, Nabers was also asked if he would play, and the former LSU Tiger referred to Harbaugh’s comment on Wednesday.
While Nabers has yet to be deemed officially active for Sunday, the vibes are high in New York. Nearly everything surrounding his injury status has been positive for weeks. Frankly, Nabers’ comments are the only piece causing hesitation right now.
In our previous injury update, the 2024 Pro Bowler discussed perhaps not feeling 100% despite showcasing clean routes. This week, Nabers suggested his Week 1 status is his decision.
While it’s likely been taken out of context, this has sparked debate around if Nabers truly feels like himself following a major knee injury. But, after being a full participant at practice this week, signs continue to point to Nabers returning in Week 1 vs. the Cowboys.
Malik Nabers Week 1 Projections & Fantasy Football Outlook
Before tearing his ACL last season, Nabers was logging 10.7 targets, 5.3 receptions, and 83.7 receiving yards per game over his first three games of the season.
His 2024 rookie campaign with 109 catches for 1,204 receiving yards and 7 receiving TDs quickly began debate around if Nabers would become one of the league’s best wideouts for years to come. With a healthy 2026 season, Nabers can reiterate that point.
On the NFLSZN tabs, PrizePicks users can predict season-long player stats. Nabers is projected for 974.5 receiving yards and 5.5 receiving TDs for the 2026 season.
Keep in mind Giants QB Jaxson Dart’s first start was in Week 4 last season, in which Nabers logged only a 32.9% snap share before his season-ending injury.
According to Sumer Sports, QB Daniel Jones logged -0.10 EPA per play (34th) in 2024, followed by QB Drew Lock taking over with -0.20 EPA per play (41st). Last season, Dart logged 0.02 EPA per play (18th), suggesting Nabers should benefit from his best QB yet.
Entering 2026, fantasy football managers didn’t pause on Nabers’ stock, as he carried a 29th overall and WR12 average draft position (ADP) in PPR leagues, per FantasyPros. In the 2024 season, his 18.2 fantasy points per game finished as WR7.
Here’s a look at some of Nabers’ projections for Week 1’s game vs. the Cowboys, per PrizePicks.
- 58.5 Receiving Yards
- 0.5 Player TDs (Demon)
- 5 Receptions
- 13.5 Fantasy Score
Dallas gave up 30.1 PPG (32nd) and 6.1 yards per play (31st) last season, while RBSDM gave the Cowboys 0.160 EPA per play (24th) and a 50.8% success rate allowed (27th).
This defense may improve with the additions of EDGE Rashan Gary, LB Dee Winters, rookie S Caleb Downs, and rookie LB Jaishawn Barham, alongside new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. However, the cornerback room remains a potential weak point, giving Nabers a good matchup to begin his 2026 season.
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Positivity has surrounded Malik Nabers’ injury for weeks, and he’s one step closer to returning after being a full participant at practice this week. If active, Nabers may benefit from a favorable matchup vs. the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.
Don’t wait until kickoff — make your Cowboys vs. Giants picks on PrizePIcks now! You can make picks on the winner, spread, and over/under on PrizePicks Team Picks, now available in 36 states. With PrizePicks, just pick players and predict More or Less on their stats!
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