With rookie Malik Nabers becoming one of the top receivers in the NFL, second-year player Jalin Hyatt has seen his playing time drop to just a few plays each game for the New York Giants.
That might change this weekend when the Giants (1-3) go up against the Seahawks (3-1) on Sunday.
Nabers missed his second straight practice on Thursday due to a concussion, making his availability for the trip uncertain.
Coach Brian Daboll mentioned that Nabers is improving but is still in concussion protocol and cannot play until an independent neurologist clears him.
“It’s Thursday, only a couple days left,” Daboll said when asked about Nabers’ status. “Again, I don’t want to speculate. You see where we’re at here. He’s getting better.”
Nabers, picked sixth overall in the draft, has become a key player in the offense. His 35 catches lead the league, while his 386 receiving yards rank second, and he is tied for third with three touchdown receptions.
Hyatt, who was part of the first team during training camp, has had a quiet season.
He was moved to the No. 4 receiver spot behind veteran Darius Slayton before the season began and has only been targeted three times in the first four games without making a catch. He averages about 13 plays per game, similar to Nabers’ average in targets.
Daboll has been asked about Hyatt and said he is doing everything right. He’s working hard, has a positive attitude, but hasn’t gotten many chances.
“Like I said, I’m a competitor; I want to be out there and be able to play, and obviously, I didn’t have a lot of chances this season,” Hyatt said after practice. “But it’s a long season; things happen, injuries happen, and I’ve got to be ready whenever my number’s called. If it is called this week, I’ll be ready.”
