NY Giants news, 5/14: Second surgery for Malik Nabers, latest on 2026 schedule

Good morning, New York Giants fans!

From Big Blue View

• Malik Nabers injury update: Giants WR underwent second knee surgery
• NY Giants-Cowboys Week 1 odds: New York a slight underdog in season opener
• 2026 Giants schedule: No international games for the Giants
• Tracking the Giants schedule release rumors

Other Giant observations

12 Games We Want To See in Prime Time on the 2026 NFL Schedule | Bleacher Report

New York Giants at Detroit Lions. This is another example of a game that could be beautiful if placed in September, simply because there’ll be that novelty associated with seeing the new-look, up-and-coming Giants with quarterback Jaxson Dart and veteran head coach John Harbaugh going up against one of the NFC’s most talented teams in a tough road environment. 

How the G-Men handle a game like this early could indicate just how much progress the team could make as it appears to be putting the finishing touches on a thorough rebuild.  Meanwhile, an upset home loss for the Lions could be devastating and an indication of a changing of the guard in that conference.

Peter Schrager: Giants can win 12 games this year

"I think [the Giants] might be an 11 or 12 win team." @PSchrags joins @AdamSchein to talk his expectations for the Giants

Watch now LIVE ➡️ https://t.co/fEcPAbshVlpic.twitter.com/5TSquD2HQn

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) May 13, 2026

4 NFL teams who didn’t make the playoffs, but will in 2026 | SB Nation

No. 3: New York Giants. This is the pick that could easily backfire when it’s all said and done, mostly because it hinges on Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo to remain healthy — which wasn’t in the cards last year. Still, there are some unshakeable realities to this version of Big Blue:

• John Harbaugh is the most profound coaching upgrade in the NFL this season
• The Giants had a killer draft full of players who can help right away
• The NFC East is profoundly chaotic, opening the door for anyone to surprise

In looking at these Giants I just see the overwhelming potential of their pass rush, paired with Harbaugh’s mind for the game, and sprinkling in the offensive pop they’ve gained and it leaves me with an organization that it wouldn’t surprise me if they stun the NFL and win the NFC East.

Brian Burns embracing his ‘crazy’ new Giants reality after Dexter Lawrence trade | New York Post

So, is this now Brian Burns’ defense? “That’s how I’m kinda looking at it,’’ Burns said Tuesday night. “It’s kind of a nod to what I’ve done and the success that I’ve had, but I don’t take that lightly at all, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.’’

That transaction leaves Burns as the only team captain from 2025 on defense to return (Lawrence and Bobby Okereke are gone), and after only two years in Giants blue, Burns is the longest-tenured starter on defense.  “Wow, I am,’’ Burns said. “That’s crazy.’’

Brian Burns ‘real glad’ New York Giants drafted Arvell Reese | USAToday.com

Speaking to The Record’s Art Stapleton after a Giants weight room, Burns said he is pleased to have Reese as a teammate.

“Some guys, you know, gotta touch the stove to get burned, to learn the lesson,” Burns said. “Some guys get it right away. Either way, at the end of the day, we’ve got great guys in our building. We’ll see how it goes, but yeah, I’m real glad [Reese] is on the team.”

Jaxson Dart on John Harbaugh: I couldn’t think of a better coach to play for

Jaxson Dart expects the new offense to be "versatile."

He also expects the #Giants to be a "physical, violent team" on the field. That's the message they're receiving from John Harbaugh every day. pic.twitter.com/Wg4qZES8wA

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) May 13, 2026

Giants rookie minicamp: First impressions of the ’26 draft class | ESPN.com

Linebacker Reese impressed with his combination of size (6-foot-4, 243 pounds) and movement, especially when dropping into coverage.

“Shoot, I mean, you see how big he is?” cornerback Colton Hood said. “He came up here and probably looked like the Hulk, you know what I’m saying? Just his physical abilities, and not just that, but he’s a smart football player. He knows football. That’s why he’s going to be a problem for sure.”

NFL Draft Grades 2026: Grading All 32 Teams After the Draft | Sharp Football Analysis

Instant impact: Francis Mauigoa, OL; Best value: Jack Kelly, LB; Riskiest pick: Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB

The success of this draft hinges on the development of Reese, a one-year starter who will likely be learning a new hybrid role in New York. He has an elite ceiling, but an inexperienced player learning a new position in the pros is inherently a bust risk. Grade: B+

What we learned from every NFL team during 2026 rookie minicamp debuts | CBSSports.com

Coach John Harbaugh described Arvell Reese as a WILL linebacker who can play off the ball, near the edge, or over a guard on any given play. Harbaugh said the first of the Giants’ two top-10 picks did not get a single assignment wrong over the two-day minicamp.

Francis Mauigoa began a transition to guard after playing tackle for most of his career at Miami. Mauigoa did practice some at guard during his time with the Hurricanes, so it is not as though he is entirely unfamiliar with the position. He is among the numerous tackles toward the top of this class that project to kick inside to find immediate playing time.

Around the league

Report: George Pickens not present for Cowboys’ voluntary offseason work | Yahoo Sports

Jaire Alexander explains why he left the Eagles last season | Bleeding Green Nation

Can Washington Commanders’ rebuilt defense hold up in 2026 NFL season? | Hogs Haven

Michael Penix Jr. throwing during Falcons’ Phase 2 workouts as QB competition nears | NFL.com

The Packers will visit the Rams on the night before Thanksgiving | Pro Football Talk

10 takeaways from the New York Jets’ offseason | ESPN.com

Steelers reworking rookie QB Drew Allar’s mechanics, erasing Penn State habits in NFL rookie reboot | CBSSports.com

How the NFL uses AI to help solve its schedule-making puzzle | The Athletic

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Following all the 2026 schedule rumors for Panthers

Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Flags bearing the Crucial Catch graphics during the second quarter between the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The 2026 NFL regular season schedule will be announced tonight in a prime time broadcast event on NFL Network and ESPN at 8:00 PM ET. We already know who the Carolina Panthers will be playing next year, now we get to learn when they will play them.

So far only a Week 1 rumor has leaked for the Carolina Panthers. Most rumors (read: early advertisements) have focused on the league’s heavy suite of nine international games and budding new partnership with Netflix. The Panthers do not have an international game this year.

The good news for Panthers fans is that their Week 1 rumor has them with home game to open the season for the first time since they hosted the Cleveland Browns on September 11th 2022.

Panthers rumored schedule:

• Week 1: Carolina Panthers vs Chicago Bears, September 13th at 1:00 PM

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49ers News: ¡Venga, Minnesota!

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 15: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers defends Jonathan Greenard #58 of the Minnesota Vikings during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) | Getty Images

49ers will reportedly face Vikings in Mexico City in 2026
“One report states that the 49ers will host the Minnesota Vikings at the iconic Estadio Banorte on Sunday Night Football on November 22, 2026.”

49ers’ Ji’Ayir Brown reflects on ‘Welcome to the NFL’ moment, Dre Greenlaw, Raheem Morris
“I’m more of a guy, I’d rather have consistency,” Browns said. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t do that, which is also cool as well. We’re going to do whatever’s necessary at the end of the day.” 

Steve Wilks was the 49ers’ defensive coordinator during Brown’s first NFL season. That was followed by Nick Sorensen in 2024 and Saleh in 2025. 

“It was tough kind of adjusting to the different guys, the different personalities, the different leaderships, the way they run meetings, the way they run their defenses,” Brown continued.  

“But we’re professionals. At the end of the day, we’re able to adjust, we’re able to adapt, and are still expected to go out there and execute at the highest level.”

49ers insider doesn’t expect interest in Pro Bowl cornerback
“I suppose it could happen, but I don’t see the fit,” Maiocco responded. “He’s a nickel back. The 49ers have Upton Stout. And if he shifts to safety, he’d be learning a new full-time spot entering his 10th NFL season.”

49ers 90-in-90: Where CJ West can improve in Year 2
“For a rookie, West held up even better than expected against double teams. Watching a Day 3 pick stand his ground was impressive. It’s the primary reason West saw his snap share increase in the second half. Being stout against the run is West’s trump card. 

West already identified the areas where he can improve in his second year. Push the pocket. Move the quarterback off his spot. A splash play every couple of games would go a long way for the defense. If West can get his win percentage, pressures, and/or quarterback hits into double digits while maintaining his superior run defense, it’ll be a positive season for the second-year pro with role player expectations.”

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Lakers eliminated by Thunder after crushing Game 4 loss as LeBron James suffers rare sweep

The Thunder eliminated the Lakers from the playoffs with their Game 4 win.

Before the Lakers successfully ended their first round playoff series against the Rockets, coach JJ Redick explained what makes close out games so challenging.

“You have to kill them,” Redick said. “It’s difficult to kill someone. Survival instincts say, ‘I want to stay alive.’ So, you got to be able to kill them. That’s what [it takes].”

The Lakers’ sense of urgency in Monday’s Game 4 against the Thunder at Crypto.com Arena, with their season on the line, showed exactly why that’s the case.

LeBron James reacts during the Lakers’ May 11 loss to the Thunder in Game 4. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

But in the end, the Thunder killed the Lakers’ 2025-26 season, with the Lakers falling to the Thunder, 115-110, in Game 4 to be eliminated from the playoffs.

“When the season ends there’s always a whirlwind of emotions,” Redick said. “I am certainly feeling a sense of gratitude for our players, the Lakers, and our fan base. You’ve seen these 3-0 games before; I thought there were two different times during the game where our team could have gave in or let go of the rope. We didn’t.”

Each fourth-quarter bucket from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell were deep gashes into the Lakers’ chest.

The Lakers kept responding, not letting anything take away from their fight, getting big plays from everyone on the floor late. 

But there were too many daggers to recover from.

The Lakers didn’t score in the final 30 seconds. And the Thunder got dunks from Chet Holmgren and pairs of free throws from Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell to close out Game 4.

Austin Reaves (27 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists), Rui Hachimura (25 points), LeBron James (24 points, 12 rebounds) and Jaxson Hayes (18 points, 5 rebounds) all came up big late.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drives to the basket during the Thunder’s Game 4 win against the Lakers on May 11. Getty Images

But the Thunder still delivered. And were simply better for the entire series.

“They’re really f—–g good,” Reaves said.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points and eight assists.

Mitchell added 28 points on 12-of-19 shooting, while Holmgren added 16 points and nine rebounds.

What it means

The Lakers’ season ended with a four-game sweep to the defending champions — just the fourth time in James’ career his team has been swept in the playoffs. 

The other times: 2007 NBA Finals against the Spurs, 2018 Finals against the Warriors and the 2023 Western Conference finals to the Nuggets.

The Thunder will face either the Spurs or Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals.

Turning point 

When Jared McCain hit a 3-pointer to cut the Lakers’ lead from 89-84 to three with 8:24 left in the fourth. 

It provided a screeching halt to the Lakers’ momentum that they carried over from the third quarter, which they won 39-31.

MVP: Gilgeous-Alexander

The reigning league MVP saved his best game for the end of the series. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks to move the ball during the Thunder’s Game 4 win against the Lakers on May 11. Getty Images

Gilgeous-Alexander shot 11-for-22 from the field and 12-for-15 on free throws.

He and Mitchell combined for 19 of the Thunder’s 35 points in the fourth quarter.

Stat of the game: 19

Taking care of the ball was an emphasis entering the series.

The Lakers once again failed to do that, turning the ball over 19 times. Reaves had a team-worst eight turnovers, while Marcus Smart had six.

The Thunder scored 22 points off of the Lakers’ giveaways. 

Up next

Exit interviews for the Lakers, with Redick and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka speaking with reporters on Tuesday morning.

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Houston Texans News: Texans add new RB behind D-Mo

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 22: A general view of the Houston Texans sign in the tunnel during the NFL football draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 22, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Houston Texans News

Texans Cut Recent Draft Pick, Add Former Steelers RB Behind David Montgomery (Heavy.com)

Texans sign draft picks Kamari Ramsey ($4.94 million), Lewis Bond ($4.64 million), Aiden Fisher ($4.50 million) (KPRC 2 Houston)

Houston Texans 2026 Cheerleader tryouts heat up with high energy (KRIV 26 Houston)

Nico Collins: I started my career in Houston, want to end it there (Pro Football Talk)

NFL News

Bills to open new stadium in Week 2 vs. Lions (ESPN.com)

Cowboys open at NYG, host Eagles on Turkey Day (ESPN.com)

Sources: Chargers land TE Njoku on 1-year deal (ESPN.com)

Vikes surprise Peterson with ring of honor news (ESPN.com)

Morton, SB starter for Cowboys and Broncos, dies (ESPN.com)

Steelers reward Boswell with 4-year, $28M deal (ESPN.com)

Bills boost pass-rush depth with ex-Chief Danna (ESPN.com)

SB LIX dancer found guilty of resisting officer (ESPN.com)

Houston & Collegiate Sports

Inside Astros’ experiment to stretch out Kai-Wei Teng amid rotation’s struggles (Houston Chronicle)

MLB exec says Astros could get historic haul for Yordan Alvarez (Chron.com)

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Expectations already sky-high for the NBA's draft class of 2026, and the picks are still weeks away

CHICAGO (AP) — AJ Dybantsa is calling it already: The NBA draft class of 2026, in his mind, is one of the best in the history of the league.

And nobody has even been drafted yet.

If there is one characteristic that the players expected to be at the very top of next month's draft share, it is confidence. They know they're good, and they don't mind telling you that they're good. And for the teams now in position to get those top players — Washington at No. 1, Utah at No. 2, Memphis at No. 3 and Chicago at No. 4 — the next few weeks are going to be teeming with promise.

“Since I’m in this draft class, I’m going to say we’re one of the best draft classes,” said Dybantsa, who led Division I men's college basketball in scoring this past season. "We’ll see how that pans out and how our careers pan out, but if you ask me right now, I think we’re one of the best draft classes.”

Fair enough.

An unforeseen trade or something popping up in the medical exams that will take place over the next few weeks could change things, but for now, it seems like the first four names Commissioner Adam Silver will call on June 23 will be BYU's Dybantsa, Kansas' Darryn Peterson, Duke's Cameron Boozer and North Carolina's Caleb Wilson.

They are not the only four good players in this draft. Far from it, it seems. But there does seem to be a significant amount of star power at the top, which made Sunday's draft lottery feel perhaps a bit more consequential than others.

“I feel like it can be the best ever," Wilson said when asked how good the Class of 2026 can be. "We have a deep draft and I feel like everybody wants to play hard and prove themselves. And it’s just a matter of time before we can do that.”

Indiana was devastated not to get a pick after having the league's second-worst record this season. The Pacers — who made the NBA Finals a year ago — surrendered the No. 5 pick to the Los Angeles Clippers to help pay off the trade made this season for center Ivica Zubac, who surely is going to help Indiana when Tyrese Haliburton returns from his torn Achilles.

But to miss out on grabbing some of the talent available this year, put simply, that hurt Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard.

“Today, it stings,” Pritchard said. “But wait ‘til next season. Let’s give this group an opportunity to go compete for a championship, because they've proven they can do it.”

Wizards President Michael Winger likes to get into the math of things, and he knows a 14% chance isn't exactly great. But it was as good as anyone else in that draft lottery, and in the end it was good enough to get Washington that No. 1 pick.

But why?

“I don’t have a compelling answer for that. I think that ultimately it was just our time. I think it was time to get that pick," Winger said. "Whether it’s because there’s a special athlete at the top of the draft that we want or organizationally we’re ready for a player like that, whatever the case may be ... the basketball gods decided that this was our year.”

The Wizards were the big winner. They weren't the only winner.

Oklahoma City gets a lottery pick in this draft because of the years and years and years that general manager Sam Presti spent on collecting both good players and draft capital. That means the reigning champions — maybe back-to-back champions by draft time — will only get even better.

The Clippers got a top-five pick, Memphis gets a No. 3 pick, Chicago's rebuild will see the Bulls land an extremely good player, and Utah — which was fined $500,000 this year for sitting some players in the fourth quarters of games — is sitting at No. 2.

“Agree to disagree,” is what Jazz owner Ryan Smith famously wrote when the NBA hit him for the half-million-dollar fine. The credo now might be wait and see; the Jazz have a lot of young talent, and now will get even deeper on that front.

Jazz guard Keyonte George was at Sunday's lottery. He said the Jazz are keeping the receipts — his way of saying yes, Utah has taken note of all the tanking talk that dogged the team this season.

“We’re going to make sure we go at our own pace, understand we’re a new group and we’re on our journey to something special," George said. "But yeah, as a group, we’ll have a chip on our shoulder for sure.”

There's a lot of basketball left to be played this season. New York is in the NBA's final four already, awaiting Cleveland or Detroit in the Eastern Conference finals. Oklahoma City can get back to the Western Conference finals on Monday, and if the Thunder get there they'll be waiting for either San Antonio or Minnesota.

But draft talk is picking up speed. And given how much talent is out there, that's understandable.

“A lot of people are saying we’re the best class in the last 10 years,” Peterson said. "So, we’re going to try our best to be that.”

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba

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Bengals News (5/11): No contract drama with Cashius Howell

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell (DL41) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cashius Howell just made every Bengals fan breathe a sigh of relief after participating in first day of rookie minicamp
Cincinnati watched last year’s first-round pick, Shemar Stewart, sit out of the entire offseason program before signing his rookie deal during the beginning of training camp. It doesn’t sound like Howell is going to take the same approach despite being unsigned unlike most of his fellow draftees.

How Bengals Rookie WR Colbie Young Put Himself And His City On The Map
“Full circle story. Ups and downs,” Young says. “The hardest part is not a lot of people make it out of there … It’s a great town. Everybody knows everybody. Very peaceful at times … There’s just not a lot of exposure.”

Rookie Minicamp Quick Hits | Jack Dingle’s Favorite Bengal Hints At His Style; Why New O-Linemen Feel At Home As Bengals
“I want to be a part of this culture. I did local day here (a week before the draft) and I got to know a little about Coach. It’s a tough, gritty, Cincinnati culture. Just like I had at Cincinnati. They’re a family-oriented team. It’s great to be a part of it.”

Bengals’ waiver wire signing won’t prevent more moves
But this is a Bengals team adamant about building around and supporting Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter. And the team didn’t do nearly enough last year to find a proper veteran leader and quality depth, merely signing the likes of Oren Burks.

Another Ravens free agent sounds like he wants to join Bengals
“I will say, I did enjoy, when I was at the Pro Bowl, getting to know Joe Burrow, just seeing how he locked in for a flag football game and the competitive side that he has and how he turns it on,” Van Noy said.

Cincinnati Bengals rookie minicamp: Thoughts on 5 newcomers on first day
The most important piece of news coming out Friday was that unsigned draft picks Cashius Howell (second round, Texas A&M) and Tacario Davis (third round, Washington) both signed the participation waiver despite being the last two rookies from this class that have not signed. Remember, last year, that’s where the trouble began for Shemar Stewart, and it didn’t end until his rookie contract dispute spilled into the first week of training camp.

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