Malik Nabers Sheds the Bubble Wrap as Week 1 Approaches

Malik Nabers is finally out of the red no-contact jersey, which means the New York Giants might actually have a reason to throw the football this September.

According to Adam Schefter and Jordan Raanan, the star receiver shed the protective gear on Monday and took part in live team drills for the first time this summer.

"Adam Schefter reported that Nabers shed the red jersey and took part in live drills with Week 1 in sight."

The red jersey is essentially the NFL's version of bubble wrap. Taking it off means you are officially cleared to get hit by a 240-pound linebacker, which is somehow a massive cause for celebration in this sport.

Nabers has been working his way back from a torn ACL and meniscus that he suffered last September against the Los Angeles Chargers. He only made it through four games last season before his knee gave out, and a second cleanup surgery this offseason to remove scar tissue had everyone sweating his timeline.

But the New York Giants kept him off the PUP list to start training camp, and now he is taking full-speed reps. That is a massive relief for a franchise that desperately needs him on the field.

For context on how much he matters, Nabers commands a ridiculous 35 percent target share in his 18 full career games. That is not just being a primary read. That is being the entire offensive identity.

Fantasy managers and anyone looking at early Week 1 betting lines can finally factor him into the equation. An offense without its top weapon is basically just a punter and a prayer, which does not exactly inspire confidence at the window.

The New York Giants open the season against the Dallas Cowboys. If Nabers is fully unleashed by kickoff, Dallas will actually have to gameplan for a passing attack instead of just stacking the box and waiting for a mistake.