The New York Giants got a notable lift on Tuesday in East Rutherford as Malik Nabers and left tackle Andrew Thomas returned to practice, with rookie Cam Skattebo also back from injury.
Nabers, the second-year wide receiver and top playmaker, was back in a limited capacity after a minor back issue. He participated in individual drills, ran a few routes without obvious discomfort, then moved to the sideline to work on an elliptical machine as the team continued to ease him back in. The return suggests Nabers should be closer to full strength for the season opener.
Skattebo, the 2025 fourth-round pick, rejoined practice after missing time with a hamstring injury and took part in live team drills, a positive sign for the Giants’ backfield depth.
Thomas, who had been on the physically unable to perform list after Lisfranc surgery last year, passed a physical and was removed from the PUP list. He did not participate in spring workouts and spent much of practice on the side with an athletic trainer, but his activation two-plus weeks from the opener gives him a real chance to be ready for the September 6 game against the Washington Commanders. The Giants had anticipated a return for Week 1 when training camp began and had hoped to activate him in midsummer.
On his first day back since last year, Thomas was eased into action, doing a bit of individual work while primarily working with the medical staff. “It feels great,” he said. “It has been a long time. I’m grateful to be back out there. I know I’m not all the way back practicing with everyone, but to get some [individual drills] felt good.”
Outlook and context
Thomas’s return should help stabilize the left side of an offensive line that’s aiming to protect the quarterback and create space for a retooled offense. Nabers’ health adds a potentially dynamic element to the receiving corps as the Giants prepare for Week 1, while Skattebo’s continued progression gives the team more options in the backfield as the season approaches.
Bottom line: the Giants took meaningful steps in their injury return timeline on Tuesday, with Nabers limited but moving well, Thomas on track to be ready for Week 1, and Skattebo back in a live drill setting. If these players continue progressing, New York will head into the opener with more depth and options on both sides of the ball, buoying optimism for the early part of the season.