Brian Daboll on Malik Nabers injury: ‘Don’t think it’s fractured’

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll declared on Monday that wide receiver Malik Nabers, the team’s first-round pick in this year’s NFL draft, is “day-to-day” after injuring his ankle/foot and limping off at Sunday’s practice.

Daboll also said he doesn’t believe Nabers suffered a fracture.

Brian Daboll says the Giants will take it “day-to-day” with Malik Nabers

He will not practice today pic.twitter.com/qogjoodufT

— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) August 12, 2024

The latter part of that comment where Daboll said he doesn’t think it’s a fracture indicates that no X-ray has been taken of the foot/ankle as of yet. However, he added that medical evaluations are ongoing.

Daboll also said the injury was of the non-contact variety as Nabers wasn’t stepped on. His foot just “buckled a bit.”

When asked about Nabers’ Week 1 status, Daboll continued to be somewhat vague and ominous.

“If he’s ready to play, then he’ll play,” the coach said.

Also not practicing on Monday is another rookie, defensive back Dru Phillips. He “tightened up” on Sunday.

Center John Michael Schmitz (shoulder) is back practicing but is likely to be held out of Saturday’s game versus the Texans in Houston. In fact, Daboll said that Schmitz and right tackle Evan Neal (ankle) were “longshots” to play this week.

Daboll provided some good news on backup quarterback Drew Lock (hip). He could be in uniform come Saturday. The Giants will not be adding a quarterback this week, instead opting to fill their open roster spot with a running back, Lorenzo Lingard.

Daboll said they still don’t plan to add a QB. He said Drew Lock is progressing. Sounds like he could suit up as an emergency QB on Saturday.

The Giants are filling their open roster spot with undrafted rookie RB Lorenzo Lingard, who was recently cut by the Jaguars.

— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) August 12, 2024

The Giants will practice Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday this week before heading to Houston on Friday ahead of Saturday’s preseason game versus the Texans.