Giants CB Terrell Thomas said he might need anywhere from 3-8 weeks before returning to the field.

Thomas missed all of the 2011 season after tearing his ACL in a preseason game against the Bears. He aggravated the surgically repaired ACL last week. Thomas gave reporters a window of 3-8 weeks when talking to reporters Wednesday.

The NFL has a new rule for injured reserve, in which a team can place one player on I.R. and bring him back later in the season. Thomas could be a top candidate for that designation for the Giants.

Thomas had 101 tackles, 21 passes defensed and five interceptions in 2010. He signed a contract extension with the Giants in March.