‘Tackling Malik Nabers’ — Adam Schefter Reveals John Harbaugh’s Unusual Test Before Giants Opener

Every athlete likes to be healthy. However, the price of pain and endurance often force players into taking the strongest possible measures to stay fit. So was the case of Malik Nabers after an injury temporarily out of action. Reports from the New York Giants' camp about events leading up to the franchise's Sunday opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

ESPN's Adam Schefter disclosed an unusual test that Nabers faced to prove his readiness for the game. Head coach John Harbaugh reportedly tackled the wideout to prove wideout could take a hit after knee surgery. The player apparently passed the unofficial test, paving way for his unofficial return to football action.

How Head Coach John Harbaugh Tackled Malik Nabers to Prove His Game-Readiness

In his first outing after the surgery, Nabers hauled in six catches for 69 yards. He probably has fewer other potential opportunities. He proved he was back, healthy, and was able to hit after scaling a grueling rehab process. And while his numbers may not be star-caliber, his performance Sunday night was one of the most encouraging to his growing fan base. However, an injury concern meant he won't make a decision on playing until roughly two hours before the game. Part of that decision-making process included receiving tackles from his head coach, per a recent report from Shefter.

In order to help Nabers mentally prepare for the game , Harbaugh reportedly devised a plan to ease Nabers' nerves. During the squad's walkthrough, the gaffer actually tried to tackle Nabers to prove the wideout could take hits. Fortunately, Nabers reportedly went down on Harbaugh's attempt (however weak or strong they were).

However, despite those preparations, Nabers still needed until Sunday night before ratifying he was truly ready to take the field. Clearly, Harbaugh's tackle attempt didn't fully convince the wideout to take the field, though it may have contributed. And the whole effort didn't impact Nabers at all, at least he had a fantastic story to tell after the contest.

Now that Nabers has finally eliminated the mental hurdle that preceded his first show, everything surrounding his complete return should be easier. Meanwhile, he'll be looking to surpass last season's statistics, which include 18 catches for 271 yards and touchdowns in 4 games.

Nabers caught six passes on nin e targets for 69 yards in the Giants' 28-20 win, his first game action since last September (2025). He reportedly was on the field for 36 out of 68 offensive plays. Only 11 of those were called runs.

Again, the head coach showed how d ifferent his approach could be in readying his players for the big moments. For a coach who has won 13 season openers since becoming a head coach in 2008, there's little surprise that he understands when players need nurturing or need pushing. This time, Nabers needed some pushing, and Harbaugh didn't hesitate to get Nabers over his insecurity about receiving hits during a game.

The Giants have an extra day to work with this week since they play on the road against the Los Angeles Rams next Monday night. And ahead of that game, Nabers and his global fanbase can rest assured that the athlete is now better prepared to face the game's rigors.