The New York Giants received an encouraging update on Malik Nabers on Wednesday, and the team also made a notable decision involving another prominent wide receiver.
Nabers, who is continuing his recovery from the ACL and meniscus tears he suffered in his right knee during Week 4 last season, could begin mixing into team drills as early as next week. That would represent one of the most significant steps yet in his recovery and strengthen the possibility that he will be ready for the start of the regular season.
Meanwhile, head coach John Harbaugh confirmed that Odell Beckham Jr. will play in the Giants' preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
The decision gives Beckham his first opportunity to play in a Giants uniform since the 2018 season and comes at a time when New York is still evaluating the depth of its receiving corps behind Nabers.
Malik Nabers Could Join Team Drills Next Week
Nabers did not do much during Wednesday's practice, but Harbaugh indicated that there has not been a setback.
New York Daily News reporter Pat Leonard shared the latest update from Giants training camp.
"John Harbaugh says Malik Nabers might jump into some team periods as soon as next week," Leonard reported. "Giants continue to monitor. Nabers didn’t do much today but has looked good out here when he’s done individuals and routes."
CBS Sports also reported that Nabers has missed only one practice during training camp and has primarily been limited to individual drills and work on the side as he completes his recovery.
That workload has allowed the Giants to gradually build him back up without unnecessarily pushing one of their most important offensive players.
If Nabers responds well once he begins participating in team drills, he could put himself in position to be available for New York's Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 13.
That would be a major development for the Giants.
Nabers is expected to serve as the focal point of New York's passing game, and getting him healthy before the regular season remains far more important than having him participate extensively during August.
Odell Beckham Jr. Will Play In Preseason Opener
While Nabers continues moving toward full participation, Beckham will get an opportunity to make his case on the field.
Harbaugh confirmed Wednesday that Beckham will play when the Giants open their preseason schedule against Minnesota at MetLife Stadium.
It will mark Beckham's first game appearance for New York since 2018.
The Giants selected Beckham with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, and he immediately became one of the league's most electric players. Beckham earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections to begin his career and surpassed 1,300 receiving yards in each of his first three NFL seasons.
His first stint with New York ended when the Giants traded him to the Cleveland Browns following the 2018 season.
Beckham later played for the Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins, winning Super Bowl LVI with Los Angeles. He most recently appeared in an NFL regular-season game during the 2024 season and did not play in 2025.
That makes the preseason particularly important for Beckham as he attempts to show that he can still contribute at 33 years old.
His roster spot is not guaranteed, but playing in the preseason gives the veteran receiver an opportunity to prove he still has enough left to help New York.
For the Giants, the developments involving both receivers are encouraging for different reasons.
Nabers appears to be moving closer to meaningful team work and potentially a Week 1 return. Beckham, meanwhile, is about to receive his first live-game opportunity to demonstrate whether his reunion with New York can become more than a nostalgic training camp storyline.
With the regular season approaching, the Giants could soon have a much clearer picture of what their wide receiver room will look like around Nabers.
