Injured Chad Jones visits camp

Safety Chad Jones expected to be playing in front of thousands of screaming fans. But it was the applause from a small group of players that nearly brought him to tears.

Last year's third-round pick, who had his left leg severely injured in an automobile accident in New Orleans on June 25, 2010, and never played a down for the Giants, was on hand at camp to see doctors and visit with coaches and teammates Monday. When he walked onto the field after the evening workout, the players applauded.

"It was a great feeling," Jones said. "I tried to hide [the tears] inside and I did a pretty good job."

He's doing the same with his rehab. There was early speculation that he might not regain use of his leg, but Jones said he is at about 70 percent of his former strength and is planning on returning to football next summer. The Giants released him Monday and put him on the reserve/non-football injury list but retain his rights. They have been monitoring his progress since the accident more than a year ago.

"I looked over there and I saw this big guy on the sideline and I said 'My Gosh, is that Chad?' " coach Tom Coughlin said of the visit. "He looks great, he sounds good . . . It'd be a great, great thing for this kid to be able to come back and play."

Giant steps

First-round draft pick Prince Amukamara remains unsigned . . . The Giants added TE Ben Patrick while free agent Kevin Boss remains unsigned . . . Backup QB Sage Rosenfels said he was not surprised that the Giants added veteran David Carr to compete with him for the job . . . C Adam Koets, who was put on PUP with knee soreness, said he should return to practice in a few days.