The New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys do not usually find themselves on the same side, as they are NFC East divisional rivals. But this time, the Cowboys have stepped up to assist one of the Giants’ young shining stars.

The Giants’ wide receiver Malik Nabers has finally had successful torn ACL repair surgery in his right knee. The surgery was conducted on Tuesday in Dallas by the Cowboys’ team physician, Dr. Daniel E. Cooper, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.

Raanan also wrote on X, clarifying that it might sound unusual for a team player to rely on the opposition’s physician; however, it’s not uncommon. “Players ultimately choose where to have surgery and whether to use independent docs. A number of factors figure into the situation.”

The 22-year-old suffered the injury in the Giants’ Week 4 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Nabers’ surgery was first postponed by the team to enable swelling in his knee to subside, providing the medical staff with optimum conditions to effect a full repair. The setback ended abruptly what could have been an exciting sophomore season following a rookie year that saw the WR haul in 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns for a franchise record.

Nabers was already up to 18 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns through 2025 before he got hurt. His 127 catches over the first 19 games of his career trail only Odell Beckham Jr. in NFL history for most through 20 games.

ACL tears typically take around nine months to heal, putting Nabers in line for a return for the commencement of the 2026 season.

Outside of the medical specifics, Nabers’ injury rekindled a broader debate in the NFL: artificial turf versus natural grass. MetLife Stadium is infamous for its artificial surface and has faced criticism for it in the past as well. While players prefer real grass, which is softer and helps prevent injuries, league officials keep pointing to the statistics indicating minimal disparity between the two surfaces.

Amid all the chaos, the New York Giants still have not discovered a legitimate replacement for Malik Nabers since his season-ending injury.

Giants look for Nabers’ replacement

Nabers’ absence left an obvious gap in the offense. As a result, the front office has been looking for outside help to solidify the position and assist quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Ex-Pro Bowl wideout Diontae Johnson was one of the 11 players to get a workout in with the Giants on Tuesday, per Raanan. Johnson, who is 29, is still one of the most successful names available on the free-agency market, with a history of productivity during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He was accompanied in the workout by ex-Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Jaylen Johnson.

Johnson’s career, though, has not been without drama. His time with the Baltimore Ravens came to a halt after he reportedly declined to come into a game last season, leading to a suspension and release. While that incident may have been a setback, the Giants are perhaps looking at him as a low-risk, high-reward signing. Moreover, with running back Cam Skattebo out for the season as well, the Giants’ offense is likely to shift toward a more pass-oriented philosophy.

The days ahead will prove if the Giants make a move for Johnson, but with Nabers out and production slumping, the franchise probably has no other option but to roll the dice.