Giants' All-Pro DT Lawrence does limited drills in return from dislocated elbow
The toughest part of Dexter Lawrence rehabbing his dislocated elbow wasn’t just missing the field. It was something he struggled to do at home that most take for granted after waking up.
“Showering,” Lawrence said.
With the Giants’ training camp starting Wednesday, Lawrence’s presence was a welcome sight. He was limited to individual drills during OTAs and had yet to speak to reporters since his injury last Thanksgiving.
Eight months later, the All-Pro defensive tackle was in a more jovial mood. He wasn’t fully back as he only appeared briefly with the first unit in full team drills. But it was progress that made him pleased with how far he’s come since his season ended prematurely.
“I’m still in that process but it’s going good,” Lawrence said. “We all have a good plan. Right now, I got some reps in today, felt good, felt solid. It’s a day-by-day thing but I’m feeling good.”
Lawrence still made his third Pro Bowl last season despite playing in a career-low 10 games. It perhaps brought an added urgency when he challenged the defense Tuesday to prove themselves this season.
Typically, Lawrence prefers to let his play do the talking and it’s been loud with him being one of the best — if not the best — defensive tackle in the NFL. However, as a team captain last season, the 27-year-old felt the need to tell his teammates that good press means nothing without producing behind it.
“They want to talk about our D-line and all this but we ain’t done anything yet,” Lawrence said. “We got to come out here every day and improve, get better, challenge each other, just work and be critical and be coachable.”
It’s a process that starts with himself. Lawrence had a career-high nine sacks in an abbreviated season but wants to keep pushing for an even greater impact on the field and helping lead his rookie teammates.
He invited rookie defensive tackle Darius Alexander to train with him this offseason at Clemson.
As for first-round pick Abdul Carter? Lawrence said his tape was “unbelievable” while noticing how swift he was.
He wants both rookies to keep chasing perfection just like he is despite being a two-time All-Pro selection. That also means not worrying about getting re-injured because focusing on the past isn’t as important as the present or future.
“Injuries are a part of the game. I just know I got to do a little more. You get a little older, you got to do a little more. I’m putting a lot of things in place so that can possibly not happen.”
OT Thomas expected to be ready to start season
General manager Joe Schoen said Wednesday that the Giants expect Andrew Thomas to be available by the season opener on Sept. 7 Thomas began training camp on the physically unable to perform list after suffering a Lisfranc foot injury last October that required surgery. Free agent signee James Hudson worked at left tackle with the first unit Wednesday.
While Thomas’ status for preseason action remains unclear, Schoen was optimistic about his chances to suit up in just over a month.
“You can never be 100% but we’re going to take it day-by-day with him,” Schoen said. “When he is ready, he’ll be out there but we anticipate him to be ready for the opener.”
Dart’s up-and-down debut
Jaxson Dart’s first training camp got off to a rough start. The rookie quarterback was cheered before taking the field in 7-on-7 drills yet during 11-on-11 work, his first pass was intercepted by Nic Jones for a pick-six.
Dart came back two plays later with a touchdown pass to Theo Johnson. It was part of the highs and lows expected for the first-round pick. After his interception, he immediately found encouragement from Russell Wilson standing nearby.
“I just told him, next play,” Wilson said. “He’s got a good head on his shoulders and there’s going to be plays that people make. The thing about a quarterback, you have to be able to move on the next play, good or bad.”
Blue notes
Deonte Banks and Cor’Dale Flott rotated at cornerback with the first unit opposite Paulson Adebo during 11-on-11 drills. Evan Neal mostly took reps with the second unit at right guard . . . Actor/comedian Tracy Morgan was among the fans in attendance Wednesday.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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