Giants Camp 7/31: Malik Nabers returns to practice with Russell Wilson, but rookie LB Abdul Carter is stealing the show with 'unblockable' dominance.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The entire Giants fanbase breathed a collective sigh of relief on Thursday as star wideout Malik Nabers returned to full practice, putting a shoulder scare firmly in the rearview mirror. While the sight of Nabers reconnecting with new quarterback Russell Wilson was a welcome one, the biggest buzz continues to surround a defensive rookie who is already earning legendary status in camp: linebacker Abdul Carter.
He's been described as 'unblockable' and possibly already the best player on the team.
After a rest day, all eyes were on #1. Malik Nabers was back in action, running routes and participating fully in 11-on-11 drills. Head Coach Brian Daboll confirmed the phenom receiver was 'OK' but would be on a managed plan, a smart move for the player who hauled in 109 catches last season. His return allowed the offense to get crucial reps, with QB Russell Wilson and backup Jaxson Dart splitting snaps. The chemistry between Wilson and Nabers is paramount to the team's success, and they worked alongside a receiving corps of Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, and Jalin Hyatt. While the connection is still developing, seeing them on the field together is a massive win.
Let's be clear: the single biggest story coming out of camp is the emergence of linebacker Abdul Carter. The hype is reaching a fever pitch, with multiple observers calling him the 'biggest winner' of camp so far. Described as 'unblockable' in drills, there are whispers he might already be the most dominant player on the entire roster. For a defense looking for an identity and a game-changing force, Carter's meteoric rise is the most exciting development of the summer. His performance is no longer a pleasant surprise; it's becoming an expectation.
While Carter was the individual star, the defense as a unit won the day. They were flying to the ball and making life difficult for Wilson and Dart, logging five interceptions. The offense had some moments, with Theo Johnson, Jordan Blye, and Dante Miller all catching touchdown passes, but the turnovers told the story of the practice. It's a fantastic sign for a defense that needs to create more takeaways in 2025. The performance is even more impressive considering the team is nursing a few injuries, with a safety, center, two cornerbacks, and a linebacker all limited or out on Thursday.
The front office also made a quiet move, adding depth at a historically injury-prone position to shore up the roster. While the specifics weren't detailed, it's another sign of a proactive approach to building a durable team. Now, the focus shifts. The Giants will soon test their mettle against another team during joint practices with the New York Jets before their first real action in the preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills on August 9th. These next two weeks will tell us a lot about where this team truly stands.
The Giants are a team of tantalizing questions. The offense is a work in progress, but having its superstar receiver back is the essential first step. The real story, however, might be a defense that's generating takeaways and has a potentially transcendent star in Abdul Carter. The upcoming joint practices against the Jets will be the first true measuring stick for both sides of the ball. Buckle up.
