Notebook: Malik Nabers, Drew Lock injury updates

*Backup quarterback Drew Lock was again limited to running on the side because of the oblique injury he suffered late in the first quarter against the Lions. But Daboll reiterated the Giants have no plans to acquire another quarterback this week.

“We won’t do that,” Daboll said. “I think Drew’s getting better, so we will see where he is for this game. He’s going to do the same thing, run, but he’s feeling better.”

Lock started in the victory vs. Detroit and was relieved by Tommy DeVito when he was injured. He was hit by defensive lineman Nate Lynn on a play that was first ruled a fumble (recovered by wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins 33 yards down the field) but was changed to an incomplete pass after a Detroit challenge. Lock was hurt despite wearing a rib protector.

“There’s about a four-inch gap there and he was perfect,” Lock said. “He found where we’re not padded up.”

If Lock can’t play in Houston, Daniel Jones and DeVito would split the quarterback duties, with tight end Tyree Jackson available in an emergency.

Lock said he is progressing toward a return.

“Getting better,” he said. “Just a little hip stuff. Each day I’ve felt better waking up. Doing more and more out there on the field. Happy with where I’m at right now, just taking it day by day.”

Lock threw yesterday and again today.

“Not like 60, 70-yard bombs, but we’re slinging it around,” he said.

Lock retains hope he will play against the Texans.

“Me and Dabs have talked,” he said. “Not ruling out the possibility of playing. Again, go out there, throw, see how it feels. Keep doing that. Did it today. We’re going to do it tomorrow. Do it the next day. Do it the next day. If the opportunity is there and we both feel comfortable with it.”

Lock is “100 percent” confident he will be ready for the regular season opener vs. Minnesota on Sept. 8.

“There’s no worry in that,” Lock said. “How I felt yesterday, even how I felt today, there’s no worry about that.”

*Jackson, who played in two games for the Giants last season, on the possibility of playing quarterback: “Just trying to do whatever is asked of me and do it to the best of my ability.

I think we’ll be alright, though.”

Jackson threw for 6,999 yards and 49 touchdowns at the University of Buffalo from 2016-18. He was signed by the Bills as a rookie free agent in 2019 when Daboll was their offensive coordinator. Jackson was cut at the end of training camp and in the 2020 Covid season, worked out for a few teams as a tight end and announced he was changing positions. The Eagles signed Jackson in 2021 and he spent two seasons in Philly before joining the Giants’ practice squad last Aug. 31.

Jackson is a big target at 6-7 and 259 pounds. And playing tight end gives him more chances to get on the field.

“Sometimes, there’s three tight ends on the field,” he said. “There’s more opportunity for you to play at tight end and then with my size and athletic ability, I feel like I can contribute in different ways.

“I’ve loved the transition to tight end. I feel like it fits my body and what I do.”

*In addition to Nabers and Lock, linebackers Carter Coughlin (quad) and Dyontae Johnson (ankle) and defensive backs cornerback Cor’Dale Flott (quad), Gervarrius Owens (leg), and Elijah Riley (concussion) did not practice.

*Rookie cornerback Dru Phillips has an injury in his “ankle area,” according to Daboll. “He got a little sore yesterday at practice, so we’re just backing off him a little bit to give him a day here.”

*Tackle Evan Neal (ankle), who was activated yesterday off the active/physically unable perform list, and center John Michael Schmitz (shoulder) continue to do individual drills only. Daboll said it was a “long shot” that either would play in Houston.

Schmitz had missed most of the last two weeks.

“Today I was only easing back into it,” he said. “I was only doing individual, so I’m looking to progress each and every day and get back in there. … . I feel good and looking to take the next couple steps.”

*The Giants exchanged running backs, signing rookie free agent Lorenzo Lingard and releasing Jacob Saylors.

Lingard, 6-0 and 202 pounds, played in 52 games in six collegiate seasons with Miami (2), Florida (3) and Akron (1). He totaled 186 carries for 927 yards (5.0-yard avg.) and seven touchdowns. Lingard also caught 41 passes for 39 yards and two scores. His best season was in 2023 at Akron, where he ran for 641 yards and four touchdowns and added 28 receptions and scored twice.