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Malik Nabers’ low-key NFL debut leaves Giants fans wanting more against Lions | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors
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Malik Nabers’ low-key NFL debut leaves Giants fans wanting more against Lions | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - MAY 10: Wide receiver Malik Nabers speaks to the media during the New York Giants rookie minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on May 10, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

After seeing weeks of spectacular receptions from New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers during training camp, fans were hoping to see more of the same in the team’s preseason opener against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night.

Unfortunately, Nabers had a quiet night before being pulled from the game in the first quarter. The LSU product did not record any receptions and was not targeted by anyone during his time on the field.

Giants backup quarterback Drew Lock took Daniel Jones’ place as the starter and struggled to move the ball. To make matters worse, he barely looked toward Nabers, which was surprising considering the No. 6 pick in 2024 is New York’s most dangerous offensive player. Nabers also separated himself from defenders several times, but Lock couldn’t find him.

Fans hoping to see Nabers highlights had to settle for a one-handed catch in pregame warmups and a celebration after running back Eric Gray ran for a 48-yard touchdown:

Videos of giants @SNY Giants

Malik Nabers catches the ball with one hand during pre-match warm-up 🔥

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/4fACU6scqs

National Football League (NFL) @National Football League (NFL)

Malik Nabers and Deonte Banks loved it! https://t.co/UyodShUbbm pic.twitter.com/iCCnb5NZVU

Following Nabers’ quiet night, fans took to social media to make it clear they were expecting more:

Ralph Vacchiano @Ralph Vacchiano

Malik Nabers always seems to be completely unmarked.

Drew Lock either didn’t have time to pass him the ball or he just didn’t see it. But the separation is real.

Wesley Steinberg @Wes Steinberg

The #Giants They are already in midseason form, as WR Malik Nabers is completely free, but he did not get the ball.

Jordan Raanan @JordanRaanan

The final tally for Malik Nabers’ debut: 12 snaps, ran eight routes, was open a few times but didn’t catch a pass. #Giants

King of Boltz ⚡️ @King of Boltz

Oh, look at Malik Nabers completely unmarked pic.twitter.com/NYUap4TKmG

Brandon @Jay Daniels MVP

Malik Nabers today in his preseason debut https://t.co/8nB1Fo49oM pic.twitter.com/7GiDjKmXRp

Alex Wilson @Alex Wilson ESM

Giants Halftime Takeaways:

-Dyontae Johnson could be LB2
-Give me Cutlets at QB2
-Nabers is open on every play
-Hawkins have a good night
-The offensive line is MUCH better!
-Gray and Tracy are both solid RBs

Drop more 👇

Evil @2richmal

Why didn’t Daboll let Devito run with Nabers’ man?

Mason Dodd @MasonDoddFFN

“Believe me, Malik Nabers played great, his QB was just horrible.”

Yes, that will be the problem all year long.

By most accounts, Nabers has been the Giants’ most impressive player during training camp. The 21-year-old has all the tools to be a superstar in the NFL, but New York will need a competent quarterback to get the best out of him.

Perhaps Nabers will have a better showing when Jones returns to the lineup. For now, he’ll look toward the Giants’ second preseason game on Aug. 17 against the Houston Texans for his next chance to give fans the explosive plays they want to see.

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