Giants WR Malik Nabers edges closer to return as injuries hit NY

Waylaid by injuries entering Week 7, the New York Giants received a smattering of good news on the medical front with the qualified return of rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers participated in Wednesday's practice after missing the past two games with a concussion. But head coach Brian Daboll cautioned Nabers is not entirely out of the woods or officially available for Sunday's game. He's "much better," Daboll said, and progressed through required concussion protocol but is limited to non-contact participation, notable to teammates by the red jersey he sported Wednesday. The Giants drafted Nabers in the first round and he quickly delivered on the promise Daboll identified as a playmaker. Even after missing two full games and part of the Week 4 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Nabers is seventh in the NFL with 35 receptions and tied for 10th with three TD catches. As one difference-maker returns, the Giants are subtracting star power elsewhere. Left tackle Andrew Thomas (foot) had surgery Tuesday and is likely to miss the rest of the season. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, the active NFL co-leader in sacks with 7.0 since Aidan Hutchinson (leg) landed on IR, was unable to practice Wednesday with a hip injury. Defensive end Brian Burns has a groin injury and also not practicing to start the week. Daboll said both players are day-to-day. --Field Level Media