ALBANY — Throughout the offseason, Chris Canty maintained he was making good progress from the knee surgery he underwent after the Super Bowl and continually expressed optimism he would be ready for training camp.
Canty, though, wasn’t on the field for the Giants’ first two practices, and coach Tom Coughlin said it will be a while before the veteran defensive tackle gets back into action.
“I thought there was an outside shot [to be ready for camp] but obviously that wasn’t the case,’’ Canty said yesterday at the University at Albany. “Be smart about it, take care of it, we will do what we can to make sure that when it is time, make sure we are ready to transition.’’
Asked how long he expects to remain on the side, Canty said, “I will be honest with you, I have no idea. If boss said it is going to be a while, it is going to be a while.’’
* One day after getting forced out early because his back locked up, cornerback Terrell Thomas made his return on the practice field. He said afterward he felt fine, a big step forward for a player who missed the entire 2011 season after knee surgery.
“I pretty much just had a back spasm that locked up on me,’’ Thomas said. “It’s crazy how things work, the anticipation of me wanting to get back out there to prove how hard I’ve been working or just be able to play football again and then something like a back stops you from practicing.’’
Before practice, Thomas distributed to fans 2,400 T-shirts with a T-2 design on the front and his name and No. 24 on the back.
“A small thank you for all of the support they gave me last year to help me get through my injury,’’ Thomas said.
* General manager Jerry Reese did not rule out the possibility of getting wide receiver Victor Cruz signed to a new contract sometime this season.
“It could happen,’’ Reese said. “All those options are open. I just think Victor is focused on being a good football player again. The contract situation will take care of itself.”
* Defensive end Justin Trattou, who has impressed early in camp, suffered a ankle injury after getting pushed down by pass-blocking James Brewer. … Wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan had a strong practice. “He’s made some nice plays on the outside and turn and run with the ball,’’ Coughlin said.