New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers recently underwent a second procedure on his right knee after having surgery in October to repair a torn ACL and meniscus.
The second procedure was performed to remove scar tissue that was causing stiffness. Media reports described it as a “cleanup” procedure.
The Giants are hopeful Nabers will be ready for Week 1, but Pro Football Doc disagrees with that timeline.
Pro Football Doc Medical Analysis
Pro Football Doc said the second procedure does not necessarily delay Nabers’ timeline beyond where it already was. The larger concern is the stiffness and limited range of motion that were evident earlier in his recovery.
“The good news is Malik Nabers’ second surgery after ACL and meniscus repair doesn’t really delay his timeline any more than where it already was,” Pro Football Doc said. “The bad news is, at Sports Injury Central, we already had his timeline delayed back in early January.”
Pro Football Doc noted that Nabers was still using a crutch and wearing a large brace with limited range of motion about two months after surgery, which pointed to stiffness and a slower recovery.
“We still think he’s not going to be ready Week 1,” Pro Football Doc said. “He’s headed in the right direction, but clearly longer than expected. We don’t expect him Week 1, and he is setting up for a better 2027 season than 2026.”
Giants Receiver Outlook
The Giants reshaped their receiving corps this offseason. They lost their leading receiver from 2025 when Wan'Dale Robinson signed the the Titans in free agency. New York added Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III in free agency and traded up to select former Notre Dame standout Malachi Fields in the third round of the draft.
Veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton also recently underwent core muscle surgery. The Giants are hopeful he will be ready for the start of training camp.
Bottom Line
Nabers’ second knee procedure may not reset his recovery timeline, but it reinforces the concerns Pro Football Doc raised earlier in the offseason. Given the stiffness, limited range of motion and need for scar-tissue removal, Pro Football Doc does not expect Nabers to be ready for training camp or Week 1.
