New York Giants star wide receiver Malik Nabers will miss the rest of the 2025 NFL season after suffering a torn ACL in Week 4. The injury was confirmed on Monday by multiple outlets, including ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This is a crushing blow for the Giants’ offense, which relied heavily on Nabers’ explosive playmaking ability.
The 2024 Pro Bowl receiver went down late in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers when his knee buckled while trying to catch a pass from quarterback Jaxson Dart. He was carted off the field and ruled out by halftime. An MRI on Monday confirmed the team’s worst fears: a complete ACL tear.
Malik Nabers Injury Update and Recovery Timeline
Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had quickly become the Giants’ offensive centerpiece. He recorded 109 catches, 1,204 yards, and seven touchdowns as a rookie, earning a Pro Bowl nod. His second season started with high expectations, but the ACL tear now ends his year after just four games.
The Giants confirmed that Nabers will undergo surgery and begin a standard ACL rehabilitation process. Most players with similar injuries return in 9–12 months. Since the injury happened early in the 2025 season, there is optimism that Nabers can be fully ready for the start of the 2026 campaign. However, every recovery is different, and the team will likely monitor his progress closely.
Coach Brian Daboll addressed the setback after the game, saying, “Injuries happen. Certainly not happy about Malik’s injury. He’s an important piece of our team. But the guys behind him get paid to do a job — next man up.”
The Giants’ receiver depth will now rely on Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, Beaux Collins, and Gunner Olszewski. Robinson has shown flashes of reliability, but none offer the same elite production Nabers brought. His absence could also slow Jaxson Dart’s development, which is a key organizational priority this season.
Impact on the Giants’ Season and Fan Reaction
Nabers’ injury reshapes the Giants’ offensive outlook. Without their top wideout, the team will likely spread the ball among multiple receivers, but explosive downfield plays will be harder to find. Fans have expressed frustration with the MetLife Stadium turf, which has been criticized for contributing to non-contact injuries over the years. This latest incident will likely renew calls for stadium surface changes.
Despite the setback, early timing may help Nabers’ long-term career. A full year of rehab gives him a strong chance to return to his Pro Bowl form by Week 1 of 2026. Giants supporters, however, will have to wait another season to see their star wideout back in action.
Malik Nabers is officially out for the 2025 season with a torn ACL. The Giants expect him to return for Week 1 of 2026 if his recovery goes as planned.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Q1: How long is Malik Nabers out?
Malik Nabers will miss the entire 2025 NFL season due to a torn ACL. He is expected to return for Week 1 of 2026 if his rehab stays on track.
Q2: When will Malik Nabers return?
The Giants expect Nabers back for the start of the 2026 season, about 9–12 months after surgery.
Q3: Who will replace Malik Nabers?
Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, and Jalin Hyatt will likely take on bigger roles in the Giants’ passing game.
Q4: Did the MetLife Stadium turf cause this injury?
Nabers’ ACL tear happened on the MetLife turf, which has been criticized for injuries, but no official cause has been confirmed.
Q5: Is Malik Nabers’ career in danger?
No. ACL tears are serious but common. With early surgery and rehab, Nabers is expected to make a full recovery.
References
ESPN. (2025). Giants’ Malik Nabers suffers season-ending ACL tear. Published September 29, 2025.
Associated Press. (2025). Giants lose Malik Nabers to ACL tear in Week 4 win. Published September 29, 2025.
NFL Network. (2025). Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport report on Malik Nabers’ injury timeline. Published September 29, 2025.
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