While rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart guided the New York Giants to a 21-18 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in his first regular-season start on Sunday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed expected news when he reported on Monday that star Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers suffered a season-ending torn ACL in that victory.
During a conversation with Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, Giants wideout Jalin Hyatt vowed that he will do whatever he can to help the club amid Nabers’ absences.
Jalin Hyatt is eager to help Giants after Malik Nabers injury
“I’ve been waiting for this,” Hyatt said about possibly receiving additional opportunities to contribute on offense with Nabers sidelined. “You know that. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. I hate that it had to be like that. But it’s next man up. That’s the NFL. And I’ll be ready.”
A 2023 third-round pick, Hyatt has been one of the more disappointing draft decisions made by Giants general manager Joe Schoen during his tenure with the organization. Over his first two pro seasons, Hyatt recorded a total of 31 receptions for 435 yards and zero touchdowns. More recently, he played no snaps across the ongoing campaign’s first two weeks before he was involved in six offensive plays during the Giants’ Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Against the Chargers, Hyatt played 26 of 69 snaps.
He hasn’t yet seen a single target this season.
“I’m hurt for Leek,” Hyatt said about his teammate going down with a serious setback. “He helped me a lot when I wasn’t getting a lot of opportunities. He helped me mentally, especially in practice, with everything. Just staying on me. Making me work even harder in practice. To me, that’s what a true leader does. He did that young. He’s younger than me.”
Will Jalin Hyatt have a bigger role with Malik Nabers out?
It’s unclear if the 1-3 Giants will make a major acquisition following Nabers’ injury. Even if Big Blue earns a win at the 0-4 New Orleans Saints, the Giants realistically could fall to 2-7 following a pair of contests against the Philadelphia Eagles, a road game at the Denver Broncos and a home matchup versus the San Francisco 49ers.
Hyatt hopes to show that the Giants don’t need to make a big trade for a receiver in October.
“I hate that Leek went down,” Hyatt added. “But I just know personally, now I’ve got to step up. I’m going to step up for this team. I’m going to step up for Leek — and make plays when they come to me and be good in the blocking game.”
