Giants Receiver Malik Nabers Confirmed to Have Torn ACL; Odell Beckham Jr. Calls for Turf Removal
New York Giants rookie receiver Malik Nabers will miss teh remainder of the 2024 NFL season after suffering a torn cruciate ligament, NFL insider adam Schefter of ESPN reported September 29th. The injury occurred during the Giants’ 21-18 victory over the Los Angeles chargers on September 29th, with Nabers sustaining the injury to his knee without contact from an opposing player.
Nabers, 22, had a strong start to his rookie season, recording 18 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns in the first four games. In 2024, he amassed 1,204 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Following the diagnosis, former Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. took to X (formerly Twitter) to advocate for the removal of artificial turf in the NFL. “I say that with the greatest love and the greatest respect,” Beckham wrote. “We (the NFL) take all the precaution of the world in relation to everything else when it comes to the health and security of the players.Please. Please. Please. Removes the turf. Thank you in advance.”
Beckham further stated, “With all respect, and you know that I love the Giants, but Deathlife (his name for the lawn in MetLife Stadium) has taken too many talented players.” he added, “I know that not everything is the fault of the lawn, but at least we should carry out all examinations to ensure that if it has to stay, the lawn is of the highest quality.We can at least initiate the discussion.”
Beckham himself suffered two cruciate ligament tears during his time with the Giants (2014-2018), both occurring while playing on artificial turf. The artificial turf at MetLife Stadium has faced consistent criticism regarding player safety.