Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
It has been two years almost to the day since Terrell Thomas has been on the football field for the New York Giants. On August 22, 2011, Thomas suffered a torn ACL in a preseason game against the Chicago Bears. Last season, Thomas tried to come back but tore the same ACL again in training camp, the third time in his career he has torn that ACL. Now, however, Thomas is getting ready to return to the field this Saturday against the New York Jets.
The comeback has been a long and arduous journey for Thomas. Not only did he suffer the re-tear of the ACL last season but he also suffered a strained hamstring this season that forced him to start the year on the physically unable to perform list. However, Thomas has never given up and has always been optimistic he would get back on the field and so far, over the last two weeks, Thomas’ body has allowed him to participate in training camp and now he will see how his knee holds up in game action.
There is sure to be some trepidation at first but as soon as Thomas starts running in the game that trepidation should disappear as he feels his knee respond. While it will be a stretch to believe he will be the same player he was before the injuries he can still be a productive member of the Giants’ secondary.
Before the injury Thomas was considered a borderline Pro Bowl caliber player. He was the backbone of the Giants’ secondary that featured Corey Webster and Aaron Ross. However, that trio fell apart with Thomas’ injury and Ross leaving via free agency for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now, all three are reunited and there is the promising young talent of Prince Amukamara which should only add to the depth at the position.
While Thomas might not be the same player he was two years ago he can still contribute to the Giants and, if his confidence is there, he might just shock a few people. The test begins on Saturday against the Jets and if the first test goes well the second test should be that much easier.
Chris is a Senior Writer as well as the Hiring and Recruiting Manager for Rant sports. Follow Chris on Twitter and “Like” his page on Facebook.
