Get your screaming voices ready for Malik Nabers, Giants fans.
What does the dynamic rookie receiver expect from his first NFL game Sunday at MetLife Stadium against the Vikings?
“I’m expecting the fans, when I catch a first down or a touchdown, they say ‘Leeeeeeek,’ ” Nabers said, cupping his hands around his mouth like a bullhorn. “I’m excited to go catch some touchdowns and help the team, help the offense.”
The former LSU receiver across the way Sunday — Justin Jefferson — made the Griddy his signature touchdown celebration.
Nabers has some ideas on how to celebrate his first touchdown, whenever it comes.
“I’ve got a lot of dances,” Nabers said, “but I’ve still got to get in the box [end zone], still got to score.”
The No. 6-overall pick in the 2024 draft came as advertised during training camp, joint practices and preseason games — acrobatic catches, explosive speed, easy route-running separation and a few drops.
Transferring it to the big stage, as so many highly drafted rookie receivers have been able to do in recent years, is the next challenge.
“I know I’m a rookie, but I really don’t feel like one,” Nabers said. “I’m in a new system, new offense, new league, but I’m going to just continue to be who I am. Don’t think twice about what I’m doing, just play fast.
“I feel like I was made to be here. I feel like I’m supposed to be here.”
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ system is blitz-heavy and relies on man-to-man coverage.
It will be telling whether Nabers draws double-teams from his first NFL game.
“I’m going to always have butterflies every time I go out there,” Nabers said. “If you are not nervous, then you are not ready. I use that as a thing to make sure I’m prepared. When I get in the game, just showcase my talent.”
QB Drew Lock (abdomen), WR Gunner Olszewski (groin), LB Micah McFadden (groin) and S Dane Belton (back) were limited participants in Wednesday’s practice, according to the first Giants injury report of the season.
Lock took all the scout-team reps during Tuesday’s practice and “similar” was the plan again Wednesday, head coach Brian Daboll said.
The Giants are off Thursday before practicing Friday, with the possibility that third-stringer Tommy DeVito could take some away from Lock.
“We’ll see where he’s at,” Daboll said, “and decide what’s best for the team.”
Could new special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial really entrust punt returns to Adoree’ Jackson, who just signed last week after missing all of training camp?
“I’ll never close the door on getting the ball in a playmaker’s hands,” Ghobrial said.
Jackson was a dynamic punt returner at USC but suffered an MCL sprain in his knee and missed seven games after he was injured returning a punt in 2022.
Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka cast his vote in the strangely polarizing decision on whether QB Daniel Jones should shave his face or keep his new scruffy look.
“I’m pro beard,” Kafka said, before revealing he plans to shave his own stubble.
