New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers is expected to play Sunday against the Buccaneers despite a groin injury, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
Nabers, who has been officially declared as active on Sunday, popped up on the injury report on Friday with a groin injury, and it was serious enough to hold him out of practice and necessitate a questionable designation.
Regardless, the rookie standout should suit up for his ninth career game, bringing his team-leading 61 catches, 607 yards and three receiving touchdowns to the table for a club that's had the most trying of weeks amid an already trying season.
Early Monday morning, the Giants elected to bench Daniel Jones, their quarterback since 2019, and instead move forward with Tommy DeVito.
Jones spent a day of practice as a scout-team safety before requesting and being granted his release on Friday.
That leaves DeVito at the wheel to steady things for Big Blue, and he could have no better wingman while attempting to do so than Nabers. While the No. 6 overall pick from this year's draft hasn't been as prolific as he was during a stellar start to the season that included two games with double-digit catches and triple-digit receiving yardage, Nabers has still averaged just over 11 targets, seven catches and 60 yards in New York's past three contests.
Considering Tampa Bay is most vulnerable through the air with the third-most passing yards allowed, it would be wise for DeVito to keep peppering him. Nabers' presence should also help open up opportunities for fellow wideouts Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton.
At 2-8, without the QB they started the season with and less than a 1% chance at making the playoffs, the rest of the Giants' season will likely be about playing spoiler while figuring out the best pieces with which to move forward.
They'll continue that process against the Bucs (4-6) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Other injuries we are keeping an eye on ahead of Sunday's Week 12 games:
- Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Jonah Williams (knee) is likely to play Sunday versus the Seahawks, Rapoport reported. CB Max Melton (illness) has been downgraded to questionable.
- Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) won't be on a pitch count in his NFL debut and wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) should play Sunday against the Chiefs.
- Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (groin) and wide receiver Keenan Allen (ankle) are both expected to play Sunday against the Vikings, Rapoport reported. Swift and Allen are both active.
- Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead (knee) is a game-time decision for Sunday versus the Patriots after not practicing all week, Rapoport reported. Armstead is officially active.
- New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (not injury-related) is expected to play and cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hip) is also likely to go Sunday against the Dolphins, Rapoport reported. Barmore and Gonzalez are officially active.
- Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) is a close call on whether he's able to play or not Sunday against the Cardinals, Rapoport reported. Seattle elevated TE Tyler Mabry from the practice squad just in case. Fant is officially inactive.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (knee) will play and be without any restrictions Sunday against the Giants, Rapoport reported. Evans is active.
- Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker (illness) is now listed as questionable for Sunday versus Houston.