The Eagles (3-2) are in prime position to take control of the NFC East over the next few weeks, and that journey starts with the New York Giants (2-4) on Sunday afternoon.
Saquon Barkley’s return to Metlife Stadium will also feature elite wide receiver play on both sides of the football. Philadelphia has two of the league’s best in DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, while the Giants have a guy who’s got next in former LSU star Malik Nabers.
The No. 6 overall pick has missed time with a concussion, but Jordan Raanan reports that the Giants are optimistic that Nabers will be available for this critical division matchup.
WR Malik Nabers (concussion) has made “progress” and will practice in a red jersey on Wednesday, per Brian Daboll.
The Giants are “optimistic” and they’re hoping he makes the next step on Thursday.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 16, 2024
Nabers has missed the last two games and had yet to progress to Phase 4 of the five-step concussion protocol after he exited the Giants’ loss to the Cowboys in prime time on “Thursday Night Football” two weeks ago.
According to the Bergen Record, Nabers is the third rookie in the Super Bowl era with 30+ receptions in his first four games, joining Anquan Boldin (30 in 2003) and Nacua (39 last year). Boldin (101) and Nacua (105) set rookie receptions records in those seasons. Jaylen Waddle (104 in 2021) is second in single-season receptions for a rookie.
His 35 receptions are the second-highest four-game total to start a career in league history. Puka Nacua of the Rams had 39 catches in his first four games in 2023. Nabers’ 386 yards is the eighth-highest four-game total.
Nabers’ 35 catches rank first among all Giants players in the first four games of a season, surpassing Steve Smith’s 34 receptions in 2009. His 386 yards are first among Giants rookies and second to Plaxico Burress’ 396 yards in 2005, and his three touchdowns are tied for seventh all-time in franchise history.
