nypost
Every NFL player feels the strain of a shortened week, but for those managing ongoing physical concerns, the challenge is even greater. Wide receiver Malik Nabers, who has started all eight games this season in a remarkable return from ACL surgery, is no exception. His practice workload is being carefully monitored by the team's training staff.
Nabers was on the field for 53 of the Giants' 67 offensive snaps in Sunday's win over the Eagles in Philadelphia. Now, just four days later, he'll suit up again as New York hosts the Commanders on Thursday night. The quick turnaround leaves little time for recovery, but Nabers was listed as a full participant in Tuesday's practice—a promising sign for his availability.
"I would just say just [giving input] on how my body feels to the trainers and coaches," Nabers said. "The team needs me out there, whether it's a short week, long week, but I'm going to continue to fight through anything I've got to fight through just to be able to be out there to get time with the QBs. But I also tell the trainers how I'm feeling and stuff like that. I'm going to take everything and do everything I've got to do to be prepared for this game."
In the Giants' previous meeting with the Commanders, Nabers was heavily involved, seeing a career-high 20 targets and hauling in 11 receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown. However, his streak of four consecutive games with over 100 receiving yards ended last week when he was held to five catches for 43 yards.
Reese Earns NFC Defensive Honor
Rookie linebacker Arvell Reese was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after a dominant performance against the Eagles. Reese recorded three sacks, 12 tackles, and a forced fumble on a bone-rattling hit of quarterback Joe Milton III that quickly went viral. At 21 years and 70 days old, Reese is the youngest NFL player to register at least three sacks in a game since the statistic became official in 1982. He is the second Giants player to win the award this season, joining cornerback Deonte Banks, who took it home after his 98-yard pick-six sealed a Week 4 victory over the Cardinals.
Head coach John Harbaugh, who posted a 12-4 record in Thursday night games during his 18 years with the Ravens, expressed confidence in the team's preparation. "I do think we have a really good plan for it and we're working that plan this week here and expect to see our guys go out there and play excellent football on Thursday night," Harbaugh said. "Now we've got to go do it. You can expect it, think about it, hope for it all you want. You've got to go do it."
The Giants are in good health overall and will have their full starting lineup available. The only player on the injury report is linebacker Malik Harrison (groin), who is listed as questionable.
Originally reported by nypost.