How Can the 2026 Giants Succeed Without Their 2024 Pro Bowl Wide Receiver?
The NFL kicked off this past week, with many of its 32 teams starting their rookie training camps. In the next week or two, teams will then begin their mandatory team training camps. The New York Giants are set to start theirs on July 28th. However, one person will be missing from the main roster: their star wide receiver, Malik Nabers. Big Blue now has to figure out a backup plan while the 2024 Pro Bowler continues his healing process before he is cleared to return to the field. This currently leaves a hole where something great could have come along with everything else that New York has gained during this offseason. There are at least three different ways that the Giants can succeed without him.
Lean on the Running Back
The Giants could lean more on their run game this coming season. The first among last season's major injuries was running back Cam Skattebo. This running back is nearly back to 100 percent, and he is ready for his return. Skattebo was a heavy presence in the run game for his quarterback Jaxson Dart, often breaking barriers and defensive lines to get into the end zone. The 24-year-old doesn’t run zig-zag; he runs straight forward, which won’t hurt his ankle while getting the plays the team needs. Training camp may start for him, and head coach John Harbaugh may start him off easy. Once everyone feels that he is ready, the former Sun Devils running back may be one of the biggest successors to get points on the board since Nabers.
Win with Defense
Big Blue has built a monstrous offensive line this coming season. They have really taken the time during this rebuild to put in puzzle pieces that will actually work. With the arrival of Arvell Reese and Tremaine Edmunds, these two will be able to put an end to as many plays as possible when it comes to stopping their opponents. Harbaugh and defensive coach Dennard Wilson have often spent time filling in the holes that have been left open on the defensive line. They also have Brian Burns to work with, who has been able to make multiple quarterback sacks within the last two seasons. He has been putting in most of the work; however, with the newcomers for Big Blue, the load should be evened out this coming season for this defensive line if they do not allow their opponents to score.
The Rookie Underneath Should Develop Quickly
New York has also snatched up another wide receiver during the 2026 NFL Draft. They have brought in Malachi Fields, and if he develops quickly, the Giants have a chance to have another player who may have a breakout season. Fields came right out of Notre Dame. During his college career, the 22-year-old had 165 career receptions, 2,479 receiving yards, 800-yard seasons, and averaged about 17.5 yards per catch. The former Fighting Irish may be the next step if Nabers is struggling to make his comeback at the start of the season.
Control the Time Clock
This team also has the ability to control the time clock. They can make plays snappy and clean but not rush them this coming season. New York needs to realize that they have time to get plays out. If Dart and the offensive line can work it to their advantage, they may be able to extend plays. New York needs to work the time clock to their advantage while not having Nabers, who was one of the players on this team, move quickly.
