New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has been sidelined for more than two weeks due to a concussion, but off the field, he’s been making headlines for reasons unrelated to football. Despite his absence from practice and games, Nabers seemed to be in good spirits when he was spotted attending the Travis Scott concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Wednesday night.
Photos and videos of the event surfaced online, showing Nabers enjoying himself at the concert, which sparked some criticism among fans and media. The primary concern?
Whether it was appropriate for a player recovering from a concussion to be at a loud, high-energy event like a concert.
The video, which contains some inappropriate language, showed Nabers smiling and having a great time—a positive sign for his recovery, though some questioned the optics given his ongoing absence from the field.
Nabers sustained a concussion late in Week 4 and has not played since, missing last week’s game and still remaining out of practice ahead of Sunday night’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Typically, players can clear concussion protocol after missing just one game, but Nabers’ continued absence has raised concerns about his progress in recovery.
His decision to attend a concert while in concussion protocol led some to wonder whether he is still experiencing symptoms or why he would risk exposure to loud noise if his recovery were ongoing.
However, Giants reporter Art Stapleton pointed out that Nabers is likely beyond the stage of concussion protocol where noise and lights could aggravate his symptoms. In fact, his attendance at the concert may signal that he is feeling significantly better and nearing a full recovery.
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Nabers, who was the Giants’ No. 6 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, has been a standout player in his rookie season. Through four games, he has racked up 35 receptions for 386 yards and 3 touchdowns, quickly establishing himself as the team’s most explosive offensive weapon.
With the Giants facing a red-hot Cincinnati Bengals team this weekend, Nabers’ return to the lineup could be critical for New York’s chances.
The team and its fans will be eagerly watching for updates on his status as Sunday approaches.
