LB makes big strides in return

J.T. Thomas started 11 games for the Giants in 2015 and was a respected voice on a bad defense. He started the season opener in 2016, but tore up a knee and landed on injured reserve. This summer, after finally getting off the physically unable to perform list, Thomas is on his way back. Saturday night, Thomas got in a game for the first time in nearly a year, playing 10 snaps in the fourth quarter of the 32-31 preseason victory over the Jets. “To have a game under my belt, you have no idea how big it is for me mentally,’’ Thomas said. “For me to be able to walk off the field after a game.’’

Thomas, 29, was a reserve with the Bears and a part-time starter with the Jaguars before signing with the Giants. Injured and hanging onto a spot on the roster, he accepted a pay cut for this season and faces an uphill climb to stick with the team, as there are younger linebackers ahead of him on the depth chart. Thomas has to prove he is healthy and can stay on the field. Figure the coaching staff wants to see more of Thomas in the final preseason game Thursday night in New England.

Asked if Thomas has enough time to prove himself, coach Ben McAdoo said, “Absolutely.’’

Thomas was credited with one tackle, but it was a play he did not make that was the highlight of his night. He had his legs taken out from under him and got knocked off his feet. He was able to get back up, as his surgically repaired knee passed the test.

“I think that’s a major hurdle on things when you’re coming back from an injury, that you can go down and pop right back up,’’ McAdoo said. “That’s a big moment for J.T.’’ Yes, it was a big moment for J.T. “It was really good for me mentally, which was probably the biggest hurdle,’’ he said. “Recovering from this injury, if I can get through this mentally, I’ll be ready to go.

“It was really great to be out there. I can’t wait for my next time at bat.’’