The New York Giants signed defensive back Terrell Thomas on Monday. Thomas, who has battled injuries throughout his career, has not played in a regular-season game since Jan. 2, 2011, the finale of the 2010 season. Thomas missed 2011 and 2012 after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.||||||| It is possible that Thomas, a cornerback, will switch to safety next season, a move that might be easier on his knees. Thomas was a second-round draft choice by New York in 2008 out of Southern Cal, and started every game in 2009 and 2010. He led the Giants in tackles, interceptions and passes defensed each season. The Giants went 9-7 last season, but failed to make the playoffs. Their defense allowed 344 points.

Speaking to the media for the first time since "aggravating" his surgically repaired right anterior cruciate ligament, Thomas said Tuesday he might need anywhere from three to eight weeks before he is ready to get back on the field.||||||| With the season opener against Dallas just under a month away, Thomas could be one of the first players to benefit from the NFL's new rules on injured reserve, which will allow a team to place one player on that list after the 53-man roster is decided, then bring him back later in the season.

After getting a third opinion, Thomas is going to try to rehabilitate his injured right knee rather than have more surgery.||||||| Thomas saw noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews on Monday and he concurred with the advice that the five-year veteran received from Dr. Arthur Ting in California and the Giants medical staff on how to approach the injury. Thomas missed last season after having surgery to repair his right anterior cruciate ligament. He experienced swelling in the knee a week ago Sunday and there was concern that his career was in jeopardy after his third ACL injury.

Thomas has re-injured his surgically repaired right knee and his status for the New York Giants' season is uncertain.||||||| Thomas was sent to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York Monday after reporting that he had swelling in his right knee. An MRI and an examination by Dr. Russell Warren, the team orthopedic surgeon, showed that the five-year veteran suffered another injury to the knee involving the ACL. He tore his ACL for the second time in a preseason game last season and missed the Giants' Super Bowl season. He slipped in practice on Sunday covering receiver Domenik Hixon.