Jon Beason Injury Update: No surgery for Giants' middle linebacker

The New York Giants got good news Tuesday on Jon Beason, the middle linebacker who broke a bone and tore a ligament in his foot during OTAs last week. Beason will not need surgery.

Beason was examined Monday in North Carolina by foot and ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson. His foot will be immobilized for six weeks -- three in a cast and three in a walking boot. Beason will then begin rehab.

"My visit with Dr. Anderson went as well as it could have yesterday. I’m happy that it was determined that I will be able to recover without surgery. My plan is to work as hard as I can during my rehab so I can be fully recovered around the start of the regular season opener on Monday night in Detroit."

Beason was originally told his recovery could take 12 weeks, and with rehab that time frame could still be accurate.

Head coach Tom Coughlin said Giants were "very optimistic" about Beason's eventual return but there is "no way of knowing" if Beason will be ready for the season opener.

In the meantime, it appears the Giants will use veteran Jameel McClain at middle linebacker. McClain took first-team reps at that spot Tuesday in both the base and nickel packages. Asked about the plan for replacing Beason in the interim, Coughlin mentioned only McClain and rookie Devon Kennard, but it was clear from Tuesday's mini-camp practice that McClain is the first option.

"He's [McClain] been in there before," Coughlin said. "He's played in there, he's played on the outside. It's just a simple move."

Interestingly, rookie fifth-round pick Devon Kennard got some first-team reps on the outside in the base defense.

NOTE: A complete practice report will be coming later this afternoon.