New York Giants first-round draft pick Malik Nabers was limited in practice on Thursday due to a knee problem.
Nabers, who was the sixth pick in the draft, had five catches for 66 yards in his first NFL regular-season game. After practice, he spoke with reporters but did not mention the injury.
“It went great,” Nabers said about the practice. “I got to move around a lot. It was a good day.”
The Giants also welcomed back veteran receiver Darius Slayton on Thursday. He passed the first stage of the concussion protocol after being injured in the 28-6 loss to Minnesota on Sunday. He practiced on a limited basis and wore a no-contact red jersey.
Nabers is eager for Sunday’s game when the Giants will face Washington (0-1). The Commanders are led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, Nabers’ former LSU teammate and the second pick in the draft.
Nabers mentioned that they frequently talk about football.
“But like I said, we’ve got a relationship off the field, so it’s like we’re going to talk smack when we play on the field, but off the field, it’s a brotherly relationship,” Nabers said.
Giants defenders have asked Nabers for advice about Daniels, who completed 17 of 24 passes for 184 yards.
“That’s something that you’ve got to share when you’re going against your old teammate, but any way to get the win,” Nabers said.
Nabers spoke about his bond with Daniels.
“Without him, I probably wouldn’t be here right now, so having that guy as my quarterback, it took a lot of stress off me, so I took a lot of stress off him too getting open. But we’re in a different space right now, but it’s still the same game,” he said.
Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen was impressed with Daniels’ first game, calling him explosive.
