Coughlin, Giants Hope For Good News On Thomas' ACL

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Big Blue fans still don't have anything definitive on the injury to cornerback Terrell Thomas' surgically repaired right knee.

Apparently neither do the Giants. Thomas was sent for an MRI this week after he experienced swelling in the knee, and a team statement later said he had suffered another injury "involving the ACL."

It was thought that Thomas likely had a partial tear and would be done for the season, but a report Thursday expressed optimism that the ligament may not be torn and the five-year veteran could return in 2012.

"I don't know what to believe," coach Tom Coughlin said after practice Thursday.

There was a glimmer of hope -- albeit of the cautious variety -- at the team's SUNY Albany training camp. Thomas is scheduled to see renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews early next week. He recently received a second opinion from Dr. Arthur Ting in California, the surgeon who repaired his ACL last year.

"I'm going to stay positive until somebody tells me differently," said Coughlin. "That's another opinion, so we'll see."

Thomas' doctors all agree that he didn't suffer a full tear, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.

But it's not all positive. Dr. Ting "agrees with the Giants' doctors concluding there's damage to the ACL," though "the images from Thomas' MRI are a bit inconclusive," the Star-Ledger reported.

Giants safety Antrel Rolle has been asked to serve as nickel back -- again -- in Thomas' absence.

"You know, in this league, you have to have an open mind," said Rolle. "A ballplayer is a ballplayer. It doesn't matter what position you're at. If I have to go down there and do it again, then so be it. Like I said, right now, my only focus is hearing the feedback from Terrell and hoping that everything is OK."

Will Thomas be back or won't he? Do you have a feeling either way? Be heard in the comments below...