Malik Nabers could take next big Giants rehab step on Monday
Attention Giants fans: Circle Aug. 17 on your calendar.
Monday is the first practice after the preseason opener against the Vikings.
And it’s the earliest possible date for receiver Malik Nabers — who decreased his usual workload Wednesday as part of his scheduled rehab from last season’s torn ACL — to join 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods of practice.
Consider it a key step in his progress toward playing Week 1.
“We’re looking towards soon ramping him up into some group periods and perhaps some team periods,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “Maybe next week. We’ll see. He’s doing great. He’s working hard. Spirits are high.”
Will QB Jaxson Dart play Saturday against the Vikings?
“That’s a good direct question I’m going to have to dodge,” Harbaugh quipped. “I’m going to have to bob and weave. I’ll say, ‘I’ll let you know later.’ ”
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy indicated that the “prep side” of preseason games is a key point in evaluating Dart’s comfort level with a new offense.
“If there’s one or two plays where he might not be seeing it well,” Nagy said, “let’s figure out why you’re not.”
The Giants released their unofficial depth chart, and a few noteworthy items differed from what has been seen on the field: edge rushers Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux and running backs Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. were listed as co-starters.
Paulson Adebo is a starting cornerback ahead of Deonte Banks. Darius Slayton and Nabers are the only two starting wide receivers, while Odell Beckham Jr. is a third-teamer. Evan Neal and Aaron Stinnie are co-right guards on the second-team offense, while Braxton Berrios is the primary punt returner.
The Giants did not list slot cornerback or slot receiver as a position.