Marvin

Austin Jr.

Ineligible for his senior season at North Carolina in 2010, Austin missed his entire rookie year with a torn pectoral. He will be brought along very slowly this season, and it will be surprising if he provides anything other than depth along the Giants’ deep defensive line.

Austin says he’s resumed weightlifting. A second-round pick last spring, Austin missed his entire rookie season after going down in training camp. Declared ineligible for his senior year of college, Austin hasn’t played in a live game since 2009. He figures to be brought along slowly in 2012.

“Everything is perfect,” said Austin. “I feel like I felt when I started playing.” The 2011 second-rounder hasn’t played since his junior season at North Carolina. Austin figures to play a rotational role on the Giants’ deep defensive line.

The word comes from coach Tom Coughlin, who hinted the only reason Austin has yet to resume practicing is concern about “the type of medication he’s on and whether he can practice under that circumstance.” With Shaun Rogers done for the year and Chris Canty (knee) questionable for Week 1, the Giants need Austin back as soon as possible.

Austin expects to be fine after resting his back, though coach Tom Coughlin isn’t prepared to rule out structural damage. Coughlin suggests Austin will need further testing. With Shaun Rogers out for the season and Chris Canty’s (knee) Week 1 status in doubt, Austin’s availability is essential.

A capable rotational veteran, Thomas is a quality signing so late in camp for a team growing desperate for depth. Although DT Marvin Austin expressed confidence in his back, coach Tom Coughlin isn’t prepared to rule out structural damage. Starter Chris Canty (knee) remains without a timetable for a return.

The 2011 second-rounder is awaiting test results. Austin, of course, missed his entire rookie year with a torn pectoral, and was kicked off the team before his senior season at North Carolina. Aside from a handful of preseason snaps, Austin hasn’t played a down of live football since December 26, 2009.

The injury-prone second-year pro has moved beyond his “little setback.” With zero regular-season reps — college or pro — since December 2009, Austin will be eased in whenever he’s finally ready to take the field.

Austin suited up for last week’s preseason debut, so it’s apparently a new injury. It sounds like he could be forced to undergo surgery, which would be a huge blow for a player who missed his entire rookie season with a torn left pectoral.

The injury-prone second-year pro now may miss the start of the regular season. The “little setback” figures to intensify the Giants’ search for veteran line help. Whenever Austin finally takes the field, it will be his first live non-preseason action since December 26, 2009, when he was still at North Carolina.