Story perspectives

Giants Open vs Cowboys, Nabers' Return Uncertain, Sign Likely

5/25/2026

Summary

Giants Open

Giants open 2026 season on Sept. 13 vs. Dallas Cowboys while Malik Nabers’ ACL recovery is uncertain.
Coach John Harbaugh said the ACL injury is serious, making Nabers’ return date unpredictable.
The Giants signed Isaiah Likely to a three-year contract, making him the No. 1 tight end.
Matt Nagy wants to develop the corps after Likely and Johnson posted 1,000 yards on 80 catches, giving Jaxson Dart a safety net.

Summary

Giants Restructure

Evan Neal logged 666 freshman snaps at left guard, re-signed for one year to start at right guard.
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will run an aggressive scheme that may suit Deonte Banks.
The Giants declined Deonte Banks’s option year, leaving roster status uncertain despite a 95-yard kickoff return December.
Tyler Nubin, who missed 16.9 percent of tackles in 2025, will compete with Ar’Darius Washington for reps, shifting duties toward the box.

Summary

Harbaugh Motivates

John Harbaugh told a Giants town-hall his focus is tomorrow’s practice and to “kick the Cowboys’ a--.”
Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb reposted the comment on Instagram with “lol that’s cute.”
The Cowboys won nine straight games over the Giants before New York broke the streak in the Week 18 matchup last season.
Harbaugh, a proven head coach since Tom Coughlin, says the sparring with Lamb could motivate the Giants for 2026.

History

Historical Context

In January 2004 the Giants hired Tom Coughlin to replace Jim Fassel, ending a period of coaching turnover. Coughlin guided the team to an upset Super Bowl XLII victory on February 3 2008, earning a four-year, roughly $21 million contract. The franchise’s 2026 town-hall with new head coach John Harbaugh echoes that turnaround as the Giants aim to end the Cowboys’ nine-game streak.

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Giants Open

Giants open 2026 season on Sept. 13 vs. Dallas Cowboys while Malik Nabers’ ACL recovery is uncertain.
Coach John Harbaugh said the ACL injury is serious, making Nabers’ return date unpredictable.
The Giants signed Isaiah Likely to a three-year contract, making him the No. 1 tight end.
Matt Nagy wants to develop the corps after Likely and Johnson posted 1,000 yards on 80 catches, giving Jaxson Dart a safety net.

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