New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers underwent a second surgery on his right knee in April 2026 to remove scar tissue that caused stiffness in the joint. The team described the procedure as a minor clean-up and expects the receiver to stay on track for a return by Week 1 of the 2026 season. This medical update comes as the Giants transition into a new offensive era under head coach John Harbaugh, who took over the sidelines earlier this year to revitalize a roster built by General Manager Joe Schoen.
The scar tissue buildup was a complication from his initial reconstructive surgery on Oct. 28, 2025. Nabers originally tore his ACL and suffered a partial tear of the lateral meniscus during a Week 4 home victory against the Los Angeles Chargers in September 2025. Despite the second trip to the operating room, Schoen and the training staff remain optimistic about his availability for the season opener. Nabers is currently limited to meetings and rehabilitation work as the Giants begin their early offseason program.
The star wideout is taking a cautious approach to his recovery and told reporters he will not force himself back onto the field if his body does not feel right. While he works through his rehab, the Giants are distributing first-team wide receiver repetitions to Darius Slayton and Darnell Mooney, alongside Calvin Austin and Malachi Fields. The team has not made any moves to sign veteran help yet, though some analysts have pointed to the free agent market as a potential safety net if the rookie standout faces further delays.
The Giants are expected to manage the load for Nabers by using a strategy similar to the one they used with Andrew Thomas during the previous summer. This approach involves placing the player on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list at the start of training camp to allow for more healing time before a late-summer activation and a strict snap count during early regular-season games. Nabers finished his abbreviated 2025 rookie campaign with high expectations after being selected in the first round, and the team is prioritizing his long-term health over early summer practice participation.