INDIANAPOLIS -- As the Giants head into the meat of their offseason, they still don't seem to have a significant handle on the future of running back David Wilson.
Wilson underwent neck surgery last month. He missed the final 11 games last season. The Giants still have no real gauge on when (or if) he will be ready to play, even though there are some encouraging signs.
“I really don’t know the answer to [whether he’ll be ready for training camp],” coach Tom Coughlin said. “I think a lot has to do with his attitude, the way he feels, the way the doctors and trainers obviously feel.
"He’s not going to be put out there unless he’s ready for that. I’m not even sure how he’s going to be limited in the spring.”
The Giants could desperately use a healthy Wilson. Even though there has been some optimism in recent weeks, it’s impossible to count on a healthy Wilson right now, six weeks or so after a serious surgery on his neck.
The Giants admitted after the season they’ll need a contingency plan at running back. They’re still likely to attack free agency as if Wilson can’t play.
But at least the signs right now are encouraging.
“I saw him about four or five days ago and he’s that same bouncy personality,” Coughlin said. “He’s very pleased with where he’s at right now.
“He’s able to do work with his legs for example, not as a heavy-duty thing but in a lighter capacity. He’s excited about that. He looks good, he feels good. He doesn’t have a lot of pain. I’m excited about that.”
The Giants will be extra-cautious. They have to be when it comes to such a sensitive and serious injury.
“Forget about that he could be a difference-maker on the team, it’s the idea that is he going to be healthy enough to be able to withstand. That will be the doctors’ and our main concern,” Coughlin said. “We’re not going to put him out there unless he really, really believes in himself again and the doctors believe he’ll be ready to go.”
Wilson underwent neck surgery last month. He missed the final 11 games last season. The Giants still have no real gauge on when (or if) he will be ready to play, even though there are some encouraging signs.
“I really don’t know the answer to [whether he’ll be ready for training camp],” coach Tom Coughlin said. “I think a lot has to do with his attitude, the way he feels, the way the doctors and trainers obviously feel.
"He’s not going to be put out there unless he’s ready for that. I’m not even sure how he’s going to be limited in the spring.”
The Giants could desperately use a healthy Wilson. Even though there has been some optimism in recent weeks, it’s impossible to count on a healthy Wilson right now, six weeks or so after a serious surgery on his neck.
The Giants admitted after the season they’ll need a contingency plan at running back. They’re still likely to attack free agency as if Wilson can’t play.
But at least the signs right now are encouraging.
“I saw him about four or five days ago and he’s that same bouncy personality,” Coughlin said. “He’s very pleased with where he’s at right now.
“He’s able to do work with his legs for example, not as a heavy-duty thing but in a lighter capacity. He’s excited about that. He looks good, he feels good. He doesn’t have a lot of pain. I’m excited about that.”
The Giants will be extra-cautious. They have to be when it comes to such a sensitive and serious injury.
“Forget about that he could be a difference-maker on the team, it’s the idea that is he going to be healthy enough to be able to withstand. That will be the doctors’ and our main concern,” Coughlin said. “We’re not going to put him out there unless he really, really believes in himself again and the doctors believe he’ll be ready to go.”
