Giants Rookie Malik Nabers Ruled Out for Sunday’s Game Against Bengals Due to Concussion

The New York Giants will be without one of their most promising young players, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, for Sunday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Giants head coach Brian Daboll confirmed that Nabers is in the NFL’s concussion protocol and will not be available for the game, dealing a blow to an already injury-riddled Giants offense.

Nabers, a standout rookie from LSU, sustained the concussion during the Giants’ Week 5 game. The injury occurred in the second half when Nabers took a hard hit while attempting to make a catch. He was slow to get up and was immediately evaluated by team medical staff before being taken out of the game. Initial reports indicated that Nabers would be monitored for concussion symptoms, and it has since been confirmed that he will miss at least this week’s game.

“Malik is going through the concussion protocol right now,” Daboll said in a press conference. “We’re obviously going to be very cautious with his health and make sure he’s fully cleared before he returns. He’s a big part of what we want to do offensively, but his long-term well-being is the priority.”

The absence of Nabers is a significant setback for the Giants’ passing attack, which has struggled with consistency throughout the season. As a rookie, Nabers had quickly shown flashes of potential, contributing as both a deep threat and a reliable target in key situations. His chemistry with quarterback Daniel Jones had been building, and his ability to stretch the field was giving the Giants’ offense a much-needed spark.

With Nabers sidelined, the Giants will need to rely more heavily on their remaining wide receivers, including veterans Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard, as well as tight end Darren Waller. Slayton and Shepard have both dealt with injuries of their own in recent seasons, which raises concerns about the team’s depth at the wide receiver position.

Nabers’ injury also puts pressure on the Giants’ coaching staff to find ways to generate offense against a Bengals defense that has been formidable in the early part of the season. Jones, who has faced heavy criticism for his inconsistent play, will need to lean on his running game and short-passing options to keep the offense moving in Nabers’ absence.

The Giants are hopeful that Nabers can make a quick recovery, but for now, the team will have to make adjustments and find ways to fill the void left by their talented rookie receiver.