McKinney return still weeks away

This X-man has not yet cometh back.

Rookie safety Xavier McKinney remains out of sight after undergoing surgery in late August to repair the broken fifth metatarsal in his foot. The second-round pick and projected starter was placed on injured reserve and initially expected to be out at least 10 weeks.

“He’s doing a really good job in his rehab,” coach Joe Judge said. “I know the trainers are pleased with the progress he’s making. Obviously everyone is on their own individual timetable, but I see him in the weight room making progress.”

McKinney is not out of the Giants’ minds.

“This guy’s in good spirits,” Judge said. “He does a tremendous job for us in meetings, staying engaged, staying up on scouting reports of other teams. We give him some projects internally to make sure he improves his own football IQ in terms of how to look at the other teams, that he’s mentally preparing and mentally advancing.”

As with all players on IR, the Giants can slowly bring back McKinney, with a 21-day window from his return to practice before needing to activate him or shut him down for the season. At this point, it is unlikely McKinney will make his NFL debut before the Week 11 bye on Nov. 22.

“We’ll see where he is in terms of the long term, getting him back on the field,” Judge said. “We’re all very optimistic and eager to get him back on the grass.”

The Giants a re not required to compile an official injury report until Thursday, but RB Devonta Freeman (ankle) and WR C.J. Board worked with trainers off to the side of practice. CB Darnay Holmes (neck) and safety Adrian Colbert wore non-contact jerseys during individual periods.

Freeman left the last game against the Eagles due to injury, turning over lead rushing duties to Wayne Gallman. Board was hospitalized after a big hit against Washington on Oct. 18 and did not play last week.

The Giants signed OLB Trent Harris, who played nine snaps against the Eagles, off the practice squad to fill the roster spot opened by trading Markus Golden to the Cardinals.

WR Corey Cole man , TE Rysen John and safety Mont re Hart age were signed to the practice squad.