Malik Nabers Suffering Season-Ending Injury Has Fans Pointing out Artificial Turf – “How Many More ACLs Until the Turf Changes?”

Star wide receiver Malik Nabers has established himself as one of the better receivers in the NFL since coming in last season as a rookie.

Malik Nabers Suffering Season-Ending Injury Has Fans Pointing out Artificial Turf – “How Many More ACLs Until the Turf Changes?”

Malik Nabers writhing in pain after tearing his ACL (Image via Andrew Mills/X)

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As the New York Giants turn the ball over to rookie QB Jaxson Dart, he will need star wide receiver Malik Nabers to be his most reliable source on every passing play.

When facing the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4, the defense made its mark, stopping the Justin Herbert-led offense from getting anywhere near scoring range in their first two drives, and then intercepting him in their third drive of the 1st quarter.

In the midst of this, the offensive line, Nabers, and rookie running back Cam Skattebo did their part to set up Dart, taking over from veteran Russell Wilson, to run in and score the first touchdown of his career.

Other than a first quarter punt, Dart led the Giants to two more field goals to end the first half with a 13-10 lead. However, the focus during the second half of the second quarter was all on Malik Nabers.

On that second field goal drive, Jaxson Dart threw a pass intended for the second-year receiver. Chargers’ cornerback Cam Hart had covered Nabers well, forcing the LSU star to slightly cut back and jump off his right leg to gain separation.

Had he completed the play, he could have caught the ball easily to give the Giants a 1st down at the Chargers’ 10-yard line. Instead, the pain in his right knee stopped him from going after the ball.

The Louisiana-native lay on the field writhing in pain as his teammates and support staff rushed to him. Later, it was revealed that he suffered a torn ACL, which effectively ended his season.

Fans blame MetLife Stadium’s artificial turf for Malik Nabers’ injury

When Malik Nabers lay on the field writhing in pain, Giants fans were left in shock. Then later, as he was being carted off, it became apparent that the injury was serious enough for him to miss games.

Then, when it became clear that he suffered a torn ACL, fans started blaming the NFL and the New York Giants’ decision to use artificial turf. Many players have talked about the need to go back to playing on natural grass.

However, the league and its teams have been adamant in their stance that artificial turf is safe. Fans believe the injuries suffered by players say otherwise, and they want the league to change its ways.

This injury reminded them of Odell Beckham Jr.‘s ankle fracture, after which, they believe he was never the same. Some fear the artificial turf at MetLife Stadium might now impact Nabers’ career. Check out examples of those reactions below:

The league and the Giants might come out with data to show that the move to artificial turf does not correlate with injuries. However, the debate still rages on as players and fans continue to make their point.

Kayvon Thibodeaux has a disappointed reaction to Malik Nabers’ injury

The New York Giants-Los Angeles Chargers’ game was a defense showdown. Both sides stopped the other countless times, making it a game of margins.

Giants lose Malik Nabers for season
Giants lose Malik Nabers for season (Image via Complex Sports/X)

After the game, when reporters caught up with star pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux to talk about their 21-18 win, the Oregon star was asked about Malik Nabers‘ injury. He did not have the latest update. Once the reporter informed him of the ACL tear, a disappointed Thibodeaux replied:

Man, you know he is a ball player. That hurts, and I hate to say it, but we didn’t blink an eye. He is a guy who we need, part of our team, who we need out on the field. But it’s next man up, that’s the name of the game.

Kayvon Thibodeaux told reporters

The 2022 1st round pick knows it would be gut-wrenching to play the rest of the season without their best receiver. At the same time, he also knows that the show must go on.

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