Giants’ Malik Nabers ‘couldn’t remember what happened’ after scary concussion
The toughest part was watching.
The helpless feeling of not being able to help out his teammates. Knowing he could have made a difference.
That should change on Sunday when Malik Nabers returns after missing the last two games with a concussion.
The Giants are expected to have their dynamic wide receiver back.
“Just to get that player back out there. I’m a focal point when I’m out there,” Nabers said on Friday. “The defense makes different calls when I’m out there. So, not having me, it made it a little bit harder for those guys. So, just having me out there, just the presence that I’m out there, knowing the defense knows I can make plays, it helps other guys make plays also.”
Nabers suffered a concussion late in a Sept. 26 loss to the Cowboys. It was the first head injury of his career.
He suffered from headaches and throbbing in his head. He still doesn’t remember the play.
Just Daniel Jones throwing him the ball.
“I mean it was scary when I couldn’t remember what happened or couldn’t remember like the last play I was in,” he said.
He’s hoping to put the ordeal behind him.
Nabers was limited in practice on Friday due to a tight groin, but it is something he has dealt with for quite some time, and doesn’t expect it to limit him on Sunday. He plans to go full throttle.
“I’m ready to go,” he said.
Most importantly to him, Nabers wants to help the Giants after having to watch the last two weeks. They went 1-1 without him, beating the Seahawks and losing to the Bengals.
The offense struggled in the loss, managing just seven points.
Obviously, Nabers presents a different dimension. He leads all Giants receivers with 386 yards and three touchdowns. He’s second, behind Wan’Dale Robinson (37), with 35 receptions.
“Just not going out there and seeing all the guys, either way if it was a win or a loss, seeing how you could have helped the game, how you could impact the game,” Nabers said. “So, that’s the main thing, is just watching the games, knowing I can make an impact on the game.”
The Giants got bad news early in the week when standout left tackle Andrew Thomas was likely lost for the season after undergoing left foot surgery.
But at least they will get back their other star offensive player this week.
Already, Nabers has made a name for himself. Now, after a two-week absence, the hope is he can pick up where he left off.
It will also serve as Nabers’ introduction to the Giants-Eagles rivalry, on the day one-time fan favorite Saquon Barkley makes his return to MetLife Stadium.
He has heard a lot about the rivalry from teammates.
But the rookie isn’t planning to make more out of it. He’s just thrilled to be back on the field.
“Just play ball, really. A game is a game,” he said. “I know everybody says it’s a big game, but every game is a big game to me.”
