New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers has not yet been confirmed to play against the Dallas Cowboys today, Sunday, September 13, 2026, as he continues his return from a torn ACL.
Nabers is officially questionable with a knee designation for the Giants’ Week 1 matchup against Dallas and is expected to be a game-time decision.
There are encouraging signs surrounding his availability. Nabers was a full participant in practice throughout the week, putting him in position to potentially make his return for Sunday Night Football.
The Cowboys vs Giants game kicks off at 8:20 PM ET at MetLife Stadium.
Is Malik Nabers Playing Today vs Cowboys?
As of Sunday morning, Malik Nabers has not officially been confirmed to play against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Giants listed Nabers as questionable on their final Week 1 injury report because of his knee.
Despite the designation, Nabers participated fully in practice during the week, providing optimism that he could be available for New York’s season opener.
His final availability could come down to how his knee responds leading up to kickoff.
Malik Nabers Injury Update
Nabers is working his way back from the torn right ACL he suffered during the 2025 NFL season.
The injury ended his season and required an extensive rehabilitation process throughout the offseason.
Nabers has made enough progress to return to full practice, but the Giants and their star receiver are understandably being cautious with his return to game action.
Nabers indicated ahead of Week 1 that he must consider his long-term health when determining whether he is ready to return.
That makes his status one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Giants heading into Sunday night’s matchup.
Is Malik Nabers a Game-Time Decision?
Yes. Malik Nabers is expected to be a game-time decision for Giants vs Cowboys.
Because Nabers is officially questionable, New York does not have to make its final decision on his availability until shortly before the game.
The Giants could evaluate Nabers during pregame warmups before deciding whether to activate him for the matchup.
Even if Nabers is cleared to play, another question will be whether New York allows him to handle a normal workload or limits his snaps during his first game back from ACL surgery.
When Will We Know if Malik Nabers Is Playing?
The clearest indication should arrive when the New York Giants release their official inactive list approximately 90 minutes before kickoff.
With Cowboys vs Giants scheduled to begin at 8:20 PM ET, the official inactive list should be available at approximately 6:50 PM ET.
If Nabers is not included among the Giants’ inactive players, he will be eligible to play.
Until then, fantasy football managers and Giants fans should continue monitoring his status.
Why Malik Nabers’ Return Matters for the Giants
Getting Nabers back would provide a major boost to the Giants offense.
Nabers has established himself as one of New York’s most dangerous offensive weapons and gives the Giants a receiver capable of creating separation, producing yards after the catch and stretching opposing defenses.
His presence would also demand additional attention from the Cowboys secondary, potentially creating opportunities elsewhere in the passing game.
However, New York must balance the importance of its Week 1 divisional matchup against protecting Nabers over the course of a 17-game regular season.
Could Malik Nabers Be Limited if He Plays?
Even if Nabers is active, his workload will be worth monitoring.
Returning to NFL game action after an ACL injury is significantly different from participating in practice.
The Giants could potentially manage his snaps, particularly if they want to gradually increase his workload during the opening weeks of the season.
An active designation therefore would confirm that Nabers can play but would not necessarily guarantee his usual number of offensive snaps or targets.
Cowboys vs Giants Week 1 Game Information
| Game Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants |
| Week | Week 1 |
| Date | Sunday, September 13, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 8:20 PM ET |
| Stadium | MetLife Stadium |
| Location | East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| Nabers Status | Questionable |
| Injury | Knee |
| Expected Decision | Game-time decision |
What Time Do the Giants Play Today?
The New York Giants play the Dallas Cowboys at 8:20 PM ET tonight.
Kickoff times across the United States are:
- Eastern Time: 8:20 PM
- Central Time: 7:20 PM
- Mountain Time: 6:20 PM
- Pacific Time: 5:20 PM
The NFC East rivalry matchup is part of Sunday Night Football and serves as the season opener for both teams.
Who Do the Giants Play Today?
The New York Giants play the Dallas Cowboys today in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
New York hosts Dallas at MetLife Stadium in an early NFC East matchup that could become even more significant if Nabers is cleared to return.
Malik Nabers Fantasy Football Week 1 Outlook
Nabers’ uncertain status creates an important decision for fantasy football managers.
Because the Giants play in the Sunday night window, fantasy managers may have fewer replacement options available if Nabers is ultimately ruled inactive.
Managers planning to start Nabers should therefore monitor New York’s inactive list before kickoff and consider having another Sunday night or Monday night option available if possible.
Even if Nabers plays, the possibility of a managed workload should be considered given that this would be his first regular-season action since suffering the ACL injury.
Is Malik Nabers Playing Today? Latest Status
For now, Malik Nabers remains questionable and has not officially been confirmed to play against the Cowboys.
His full participation in practice throughout the week is an encouraging sign, but Nabers and the Giants are approaching his return cautiously following his ACL injury.
A final decision is expected closer to the 8:20 PM ET kickoff.
The Giants’ official inactive list should provide the definitive answer at approximately 6:50 PM ET.
Current Malik Nabers status: Questionable — game-time decision.