It was a simple question, and it elicited a simple answer.
“What is Malik going to do today?’’ Giants coach Brian Daboll was asked Thursday before practice.
“Practice,’’ Daboll said.
Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers during practice at the New York Giants training facility on Aug. 11. Charles Wenzelberg / New York PostJust like that, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers was back on the field, a welcome sight for a Giants offense that is sure to rely on him early and often this season.
And, get this: There is a chance Nabers plays Saturday afternoon at Houston in preseason game No. 2 for the Giants.
“We’ll go through practice and figure it out like we normally do,’’ Daboll said. “But I’d say there’s definitely a chance.’’
Nabers hurt his left ankle while running Sunday and sat out the next two training camp practices.
He said Tuesday he has “no doubt’’ he will be ready to make his NFL debut Sept. 8 in the regular-season opener against the Vikings. Nabers was diagnosed with a low ankle sprain, and his return to the field four days later is a good sign for his availability as early as this weekend.
Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers #9, stretching out his foot during practice at the New York Giants training facility on Aug. 11. Charles Wenzelberg / New York PostNabers did not look labored as he participated in practice.
“He looked good,’’ Daniel Jones said. “So, yeah, I think he’s feeling good.’’
There was another positive injury development as rookie running back Tyrone Tracy participated in individual drills Thursday.
That is quite remarkable considering he went down with what looked to be a serious lower leg injury Tuesday and was carted off the field with an air cast applied after his right leg buckled after he muffed a kickoff.
As it turned out, Tracy suffered a low ankle sprain and is considered week-to-week, though he looked fine running two days after the incident.
Veteran S Jalen Mills could not get on the field this summer because of a calf injury, and the Giants did not wait any longer. He was cut Thursday.
Another safety, Elijah Riley, was put on injured reserve with a concussion after the Giants this week signed two new safeties — Raheem Layne and Jonathan Sutherland.
Joshua Kelley comes to the Jets from the Chargers. Getty ImagesFacing a shortage at running back, the Giants signed Joshua Kelley.
The 26-year old spent the past four seasons with the Chargers, and in 54 games has 320 rushing attempts for 1,148 yards and two touchdowns. He played in all 17 games in 2023, with 107 rushes for a career-high 405 yards.
TE Tyree Jackson dove for a pass, limped off the field then threw his helmet down in disgust as he sat on the sideline. … QB Drew Lock (hip) will be in uniform Saturday, but the plan is not to play him. “We’ll use him if we need to use him,’’ Daboll said.
