Malik Nabers says John Harbaugh tackled him to prove wideout could take a hit after knee surgery
John Harbaugh has a weird way of trying to prove a point.
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers returned from knee surgery and played in the team's 28-20 win against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. During his first game back, Nabers recorded six catches for 69 yards, demonstrating that he was healthy and capable of taking hits. However, Nabers was initially a game-time decision due to concerns about the mental aspect of making his return.
New head coach John Harbaugh devised a plan to help Nabers mentally prepare for his return by tackling him during team walkthroughs, hoping to prove to the wideout that he could handle hits after his grueling rehab process. Nabers confirmed that Harbaugh indeed tackled him during the walkthrough, stating, "Everybody was worried if I could tackle.
Actually Coach Harbaugh tackled me." While the tackle attempt did not fully convince Nabers to play, it may have contributed to his confidence. Giants ultimately limited Nabers' playing time to 36 of the team's 68 offensive snaps, but his production and playing time should increase as he gains more confidence in his surgically-repaired knee.
The extra day of recovery before the Monday night game against the Los Angeles Rams should help Nabers in this regard.
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