No.6 overall draft pick? No worries. Malik Nabers has been carrying the Giants’ offense with rookie flair, making his presence known. Sure, the Big Blue is sitting at 1-3. But let’s be honest, that lone win likely has Malik’s fingerprints all over it. Unfortunately, his Week 5 availability against the Seahawks is up in the air after suffering a concussion against the Cowboys.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared, “He [Malik] is still in the NFL’s concussion protocol as he has not practiced this week after the hit [against the Cowboys]. That certainly does not bode well for his availability this week.” Giants fans were on edge, hoping Malik could clear protocol in time. But it was not to be as hours later HC Brian Daboll told reporters that Nabers was still in the NFL’s concussion protocol and was out for Sunday. Oof! That’s tough.

Nabers has been a rookie sensation, and he’s making history with every catch. His 35 receptions in four games lead the NFL, outpacing Houston’s Nico Collins by five grabs. With 386 yards and three touchdowns, he’s setting a pace that’s putting him in elite company.

Only Puka Nacua (39) has caught more passes in his first four career games, and Nabers is just the third rookie in the Super Bowl era to snag 30+ receptions in the opening stretch. Not bad for a 21-year-old who’s quickly becoming Big Blue’s brightest star.

Now, he has been forced to sit out after a brutal hit against the Cowboys. It’s a tough break for him, but at least he’s keeping the spirits high by engaging with teammates as best as he can. Without Nabers, the Giants’ offense is facing a steep uphill battle, especially since he’s the engine driving their passing game. The Seahawks are no slouches on defense, allowing a mere 167.5 passing yards per game.

With Nabers out of the lineup, cracking that tough Seattle defense just got a lot harder. His absence could definitely leave a noticeable gap on the field—one that might swing the game in the opposition’s favor.

Who will step up in Malik Nabers’ absence?

With Malik Nabers out, the Giants’ offense will need to shuffle their deck heading into Week 5. Nabers has been lights out and his absence leaves a big question mark: who steps up now? Without thinking twice, Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson‘s names come to mind. And it won’t be a wrong chain of thought, considering they are the next in the depth chart to be the go-to guys for Daniel Jones.

But then there’s 2nd-year receiver Jalin Hyatt as well who can see a big jump in playing time. Robinson’s heel injury leaves the doors open as well as the Seahawks with their seventh-best pass defense. These factors are enough to say that the Giants would look to help from wherever they can get one.

Hyatt, who’s mostly been the odd man out, understands the opportunity this week could be a game-changer for him. “You just got to be ready whenever it is. Injuries happen, and it’s all about taking advantage of the opportunities,” Hyatt said. That’s the mindset he’ll need as the Giants face Seattle.

The Giants are sitting at 1-3, and Week 5 feels pivotal. Daniel Jones, who’s had a rocky start, has to find some rhythm with a patchwork offense. Can Slayton, Robinson, or Hyatt step up in Nabers’ absence and help the Giants get back on track? Sunday will tell us who’s the guy to fill in Nabers’ big shoes.