New York Giants middle linebacker Jon Beason, out since suffering a broken sesamoid bone and torn ligament in his right foot during OTAs, said Monday that he believes he is "really close" to returning and believes he will be ready to play in the Giants Sept. 8 season-opener vs. the Detroit Lions.
"I feel like I'm really close, but I have to go out and do it and I want to test it. That's going to confirm it for me," Beason said. "I feel pretty good. We're just going through the progression. Today should be pretty aggressive."
Beason remains on PUP and thus cannot practice with the team. He can, however, work with the training staff on his own. There is no word on when Beason might be removed from the PUP list to get some practice reps.
"I don’t know if I need the practice. It’s good to kind of spin the wheels a little bit, get out there and oiled up. I would love to have a full training camp and four dress rehearsals, or five dress rehearsals, but unfortunately that’s not going to be the case," Beason said. "Either way, I expect to go out and be myself and play well and help my team win."
Beason's absence has given fifth-round pick Devon Kennard an opportunity to get extra practice reps and extended playing time at strong-side linebacker. Kennard has been impressive with 10 tackles and a quarterback sack.
Should Beason come back healthy and play as well or better than he did last season the Giants linebackers could be the team's best group at that position in several seasons.