By admin 
Just getting on the field Sunday night was a big deal for Malik Nabers, but even he couldn’t have scripted the New York Giants’ opener any better.
Read more Indonesia rescuers searching for 129 people still missing after passenger ship capsizes
Nabers both stayed healthy and was an impact player, posting six receptions for 69 yards in the Giants’ 28-20 win over the Cowboys in his first game back at MetLife Stadium since sustaining a devastating knee injury last September.
The Giants played coy with Nabers’ status, calling him a game-time decision after his recovery from a torn ACL and meniscus. But he played most of the game, earning nine targets and contributing to just his fourth win in a Giants uniform.
Malik Nabers ‘Had to Trust My Body’ in Return to Giants
Most people expected Nabers to play Sunday night, since he was cleared to play by the Giants’ medical staff. But he ended up being a true game-time decision, which the Giants left up to him.
“I had to just trust my body. I had to just trust myself,” Nabers told NBC’s Melissa Stark after the game. “I knew I could come out here and do what I wanted to do. It was just all about the right time. When I got out here, I felt good. I felt the atmosphere. I felt my teammates happy that I was back. I just had to do it. I had to do it. I just trusted my heart.”
Nabers converted two of the Giants’ biggest plays Sunday night, each going for 16 yards. The 83,286 fans at MetLife Stadium serenaded Nabers with “Leeek” chants every time he caught a pass Sunday night.
His big night was the continuation of his domination against the Cowboys. Nabers is now averaging 105 receiving yards per game against Dallas over his four career games.
Read more Trump dismisses report China entities helped Iran before attack that killed US troops
With Malik Nabers, the Giants Offense Looked Dangerous
It was the first full game Dart and Nabers played together, since Nabers blew out his knee in Dart’s first game as starting quarterback last year. After he took a knee on the final play of the game, Dart turned and handed the ball to Nabers, to celebrate his first completed game since being carted off against the Chargers.
“It means the most to me,” Nabers told Stark after the game. “I know how hard [Dart] works. … I’m happy we’re back on the field together. I love these guys.”
But Dart loves having Nabers, a bona fide No. 1 receiver, on the field for what it does for the Giants’ offense. Aside from the catches, Nabers was a decoy in the second half, opening up swing passes for running back Devin Singletary, including his 9-yard touchdown that put the Giants up 28-14.
“It’s great,” Dart said after the game. “No matter what the coverage is, no matter who they put out there on him, you have all the confidence that he’s going to make a play.”
The Giants proved again they don’t need much from their passing offense. They were fifth in the NFL in rushing a year ago and are tied for the fourth-most ground yards (165) with the Detroit Lions through one week.
But having Nabers and tight end Isaiah Likely is going to make the Giants offense that much more effective, especially once Dart starts integrating Darnell Mooney (2 catches, 27 yards) and Malachi Fields (2 catches, 25 yards).
Read more Hormuz shipping traffic remains below 10-day average at weekend, data shows
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published September 13, 2026 at 9:35 PM.