The New York Giants received some positive news ahead of their Week 17 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, as rookie playmakers Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy Jr. returned to practice on Friday. Both players had been sidelined earlier in the week with injuries but now appear on track to suit up Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Nabers Nearing 1,000-Yard Milestone
Nabers, the Giants’ first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has emerged as the team’s top receiving threat in his debut season. The dynamic wideout leads New York with 97 receptions and needs just 31 more yards to surpass the 1,000-yard mark.
Despite battling a nagging toe injury, Nabers was a limited participant in Friday’s practice session and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday. However, the rookie expressed his determination to be on the field with his teammates.
“Any opportunity I have to go out there on the football field and play with my brothers, whether I’m nicked up or not,” Nabers said. “I know a lot of guys are battling a lot of injuries in the facility and in the building right now — they still continue to go out there and ball. I’m going to be right there with those guys if I can and continue to go out there with those guys and ball out.”
Tracy Trending Towards Return
Meanwhile, fellow rookie Tyrone Tracy also looks poised to make his return after missing practice time this week. The fifth-round running back has already racked up 721 rushing yards and is just 16 yards shy of reaching 1,000 total yards from scrimmage.
Tracy was not given an injury designation for Sunday’s game, indicating he has been cleared to play barring any setbacks. His presence would provide a much-needed boost to a Giants rushing attack that ranks near the bottom of the league.
Giants Aiming to Avoid Dubious Distinction
At 2-13, the Giants enter Week 17 mired in a franchise-record 10-game losing streak and are seeking to avoid becoming the first team in NFL history to finish 0-9 at home. The return of Nabers and Tracy could inject some life into an offense that has struggled mightily during the second half of the season.
While rookies like Nabers and Tracy have shown plenty of promise, the Giants will be without several other key contributors on Sunday:
- John Michael Schmitz, starting center (ankle)
- Micah McFadden, middle linebacker (neck)
- Greg Stroman Jr., cornerback (shin/shoulder)
- Raheem Layne, safety (knee)
The Giants and Colts kick off at 1:00 PM ET on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in a battle of two teams looking to end disappointing seasons on a high note. For New York, the spotlight will be on their pair of dynamic rookies as they aim to provide a glimpse of a brighter future.
