With star rookie Malik Nabers in query, Giants prepared for Seahawks

The New York Giants have had a couple of extra days to prepare for Sunday’s game in Seattle.

But that still might not be enough for Malik Nabers.

The rookie, who leads the NFL in receptions, missed practice this week because of a concussion suffered late in a 20-15 loss against the visiting Dallas Cowboys last Thursday.

Nabers had a career-high 12 catches for 115 yards before being hurt.

“We’ll just take it day by day with him,” Giants coach Brian Daboll said of Nabers, the sixth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft out of LSU. “Really, other than that, I have no update other than he’s in the protocol and just hope he continues to get better.”

Through four games, Nabers has 35 receptions — five more than Houston’s Nico Collins. Nabers also is second in the league with 386 receiving yards and tied for third with three touchdown catches.

“There’s no doubt he’s been a big part of our offense so far and someone who we’ve counted on in a lot of spots,” Giants quarterback Daniel Jones said. “So, it’ll change a little bit. But the guys we got out there, we have a lot of confidence in them winning their matchups and getting open. I know we’ll play well.”

The Giants (1-3) could use all their weapons against a banged-up Seattle defense that was without five injured starters — and lost a sixth during the first half in safety Julian Love (quad contusion) — in a 42-29 loss Monday night at Detroit.

Wan’Dale Robinson, who is second on the Giants in receptions with 26, was limited in practice Wednesday with a heel injury. Starting running back Devin Singletary (groin) didn’t practice along with cornerbacks Dru Phillips and Adoree’ Jackson, both with calf injuries. Linebacker Brian Burns (groin) was limited.

Daboll said second-year receiver Jalin Hyatt will get more practice time with Nabers and Robinson ailing.

“I think we got a lot of guys who can make plays,” Jones said. “We’ll see what happens with Malik through the week, but confident in all our guys.”

The NFC West-leading Seahawks (3-1) couldn’t keep up with Detroit despite a big night from quarterback Geno Smith. The veteran broke a franchise record for pass attempts (56), had the second-most completions in a game (38) and set a career high with 395 yards passing.

“I have no problem with (coach Mike Macdonald) putting the game in my hand. I’m actually hoping for that every time I go out there, and so, whenever that’s the situation, I just got to do what I got to do to make the right plays,” Smith said.

Kenneth Walker III overcame a slow first half to rush for 80 yards and three TDs on 12 carries and DK Metcalf added seven receptions for 104 yards.

But Macdonald’s defense allowed the Lions’ Jared Goff to go 18-of-18 passing, the most attempts without an incompletion in NFL history. Goff also made a TD reception.

“We have time to grow as a football team, we have a short week, we have to have a sense of urgency about it, and we need to take the next step,” Macdonald said. “But (Monday) just wasn’t good enough, especially on the defensive side of the ball. So, we’ve got to make it right and move forward.”

Macdonald said he was optimistic about Love’s return Sunday. In addition, injured linebackers Boye Mafe (knee) and Uchenna Nwosu (knee) and defensive tackle Leonard Williams (ribs) all took part in practice this week, while defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (hamstring) remained out.

–Field Level Media