Malik Nabers is coming off an ACL and meniscus tear from 2025, and his fantasy football form is still uncertain.
Nabers recently received great news, avoiding the PUP list for training camp, but analysts are still cautious about his potential return to form.
According to analyst Joel Smyth, of the 14 notable receivers who returned from serious knee injuries over the last decade, only one increased in fantasy PPG, while one remained the same, and 12 decreased. This is a worrying trend for Nabers, who is currently going as WR16 in Yahoo ADP.
Nabers' case is different, however, due to his youth and athleticism. At 23 years old, he is considered a supreme athlete, and his early-season ACL tear may work in his favor. "Many of the other cases, especially the worst outcomes, come from older veterans that failed to ever fully bounce back," Smyth notes.
Nabers' ADP lines up closer to a mid-level fantasy WR2, with some analysts believing he could be fully healthy 10 months after his original surgery, setting him up for a WR1 fantasy year. However, the meniscus tear adds complexity to his recovery time, which could increase by up to three months.
Nabers himself has revealed that the reported date of his second cleanup surgery was inaccurate, but he has not disclosed the actual date of the procedure. This lack of clarity adds to the uncertainty surrounding his return to form.
In smaller leagues, Nabers is considered an upside pick that should be best in the second half of the season. Analysts recommend limiting risk elsewhere in larger leagues, as a slow start on a thin roster can crush the first month of the season.
To get a better understanding of Nabers' current ADP, analysts suggest using recent Yahoo 7-Day ADP, which can provide a more accurate picture of where he is being drafted. With news happening fast, ADP can change drastically in a short period.
The future of Malik Nabers' fantasy football form remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his recovery from a serious knee injury will be closely watched by fantasy football enthusiasts. As the NFL season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting any updates on his progress.
Source: Yahoo Sports