Notebook: Updates on Malik Nabers, Devin Singletary injuries

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Giants today began preparations for their game Sunday in Seattle without their leading rusher and leading receiver.

Running back Devin Singletary has a groin injury he sustained in the Giants’ 20-15 loss last week to Dallas and sensational rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers remains in the NFL concussion protocol after he was hurt in the waning moments of that game.

Cornerbacks Adoree’ Jackson and rookie Dru Phillips, who did not play against the Cowboys because each has a groin injury, also did not practice.

Their availability for the game Sunday in Seattle likely will not be decided until later in the week.

“(Nabers is) still in the protocol,” coach Brian Daboll said. “(We) talked about that before with (wide receiver) Darius (Slayton, who was in the protocol before playing in the game in Washington on Sept. 15). Take that however it comes.

“He (Nabers) is in the early stages of (the protocol) right now. So, again, we’ll just take it day by day with him. Really, other than that, I have no update other than he’s in the protocol and just hope he continues to get better.”

Nabers has been the Giants’ most productive offensive player through the season’s first four games. He leads the NFL with 52 targets and 35 receptions, is second with 386 yards, and tied for third with three touchdown receptions. Nabers has been targeted on 52 of the Giants’ 145 total pass attempts – including one that he threw – a 35.9 percentage that is the highest in the NFL.

Daboll said the Giants must consider Nabers may not play.

“Well, you do that anytime you have guys that aren’t practicing,” he said. “You make sure that you have contingency plans. But (we are) hopeful. And if not, we’ll have a plan.

“The guys that are out here practicing will go ahead and take the reps. That will give (wide receiver) Jalin (Hyatt) more reps today than he’s had in practice. Everybody’s got to be ready to go.”

That includes Wan’Dale Robinson, who is second on the team with 26 catches, including a league-high 15 on third down (Nabers is second with 12), Darius Slayton, and Bryce Ford-Wheaton, who has played one offensive snap. Robinson was limited in practice today with a heel injury. Veteran Isaiah Hodgins and newcomer Kearis Jackson are on the practice squad. Tight ends Theo Johnson, Daniel Bellinger and Chris Manhertz could become bigger contributors in the passing game.

“There’s no doubt (Nabers) has been a big part of our offense so far and someone who we’ve counted on in a lot of spots,” quarterback Daniel Jones said. “So, it’ll change a little bit (if Nabers is sidelined). But the guys we got out there, we have a lot of confidence in them winning their matchups and getting open. I know we’ll play well. So, we’re confident in whoever’s out there and we’re lucky to have a deep group of receivers and a lot of talented guys.”

The most intriguing option for a Nabers-less Giants team is Hyatt, the 2023 third-round draft choice and former Biletnikoff Award winner who has played just 51 snaps and been targeted three times without a catch in in four games.

“Hopefully, Leek’s back – I’ll be praying for him,” Hyatt said. “If he’s not ready, it’s going to be a big opportunity for me, and I’ve got to take advantage of it. I’ll be ready whenever my number is called.”

Hyatt hoped to have a bigger role this season, but Daboll has said he is the “third/fourth” receiver, with Slayton getting reps ahead of him. Hyatt has not complained while waiting for his chance to play.

“I think Jalin has handled it well,” Jones said. “He’s a pro, he’s a mature guy. You’ve seen it out at practice. He’s continued to show up and make a lot of plays. I know it’s frustrating for a guy not to get those opportunities on Sunday, but I thought he’s handled it well. I have a ton of confidence in him out there making plays, changing the game with his speed and ability to get behind the defense. So, I know he’ll be ready to go.”