Giants WR Malik Nabers will not start training camp on PUP list

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, who is recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus, will not start training camp on the physically unable to perform list.

The Giants announced Thursday afternoon that three players will begin camp on the PUP list — tight end Thomas Fidone II, defensive lineman Sam Roberts and defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris — and Nabers was not among them.

It is undoubtedly a promising development for the Giants, who hope to have their star wide receiver healthy for the start of the regular season. However, not starting on the PUP list doesn’t mean Nabers will be at full speed at the start of camp, but it gives the team more flexibility to integrate him into practice as he progresses. If Nabers were on the PUP list, he would be restricted to rehab work on the side with trainers during practices. By avoiding PUP, Nabers can participate in practice, even in a limited capacity, as he aims to be ready for the opener.

Nabers suffered his knee injuries in Week 4 of last season. He underwent surgery to repair the damage on Oct. 28 and required a second “clean-up” procedure earlier this offseason to remove scar tissue that was causing stiffness, league sources told The Athletic in May.

Head coach John Harbaugh did not give a target date when asked about Nabers’ timeline at the end of the team’s offseason program. “He’s making really good progress right now. I’m very hopeful he’ll be back soon.”

Nabers’ status has been one of the most pressing questions this spring and summer, and his return timetable will linger into camp as he’s one of the Giants’ most dynamic playmakers. In his four games last year, Nabers tallied 18 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns. In an impressive rookie campaign, the Giants’ No. 6 pick out of LSU tallied 1,204 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Giants veterans report to camp Tuesday, with the team traveling to West Virginia and conducting its first practice Wednesday.