Giants training camp: Nabers, Reese and Carter stand out as Harbaugh sets pads schedule

The New York Giants conducted their 12th training camp session of 2026 on Tuesday in East Rutherford, marking the second of four consecutive closed practices scheduled from Monday through Thursday. Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed that the team worked in shells rather than full pads, with an alternating equipment schedule set to see players don full pads on Wednesday before returning to shells on Thursday.

The two-and-a-half-hour practice was described as a mostly jog-through session, with the team preparing for a preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Friday is scheduled as an off day for the squad.

Key observations from the field included wide receiver Malik Nabers, who continued to participate in individual drills. Nabers was noted for performing acrobatic catches, with observers indicating he is making good progress in his return to full practice activities.

Defensive back Arvell Reese recorded a one-handed interception during live 7-on-7 drills, gathering the ball from quarterback Jaxson Dart at the eight-yard line. Meanwhile, linebacker Abdul Carter returned to practice with significant wraps around his outside fingers, though he was reported to be functioning normally.

Concurrent with the Giants’ preparations, the Minnesota Vikings confirmed Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced the decision on Tuesday, ending the competition with J.J. McCarthy, with neither player having appeared in the match prior to the preseason opener.

The Giants’ current schedule involves four consecutive closed practices, with the alternating pad schedule designed to manage player workload before the season begins. Harbaugh’s approach suggests a methodical build-up to full contact, culminating in the Saturday game against the Vikings.