Giants' Phillips eyes May OTA's for return

Kenny Phillips is still at least a month away from attempting to run, but the star-in-waiting Giants safety says his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury is going smoothly, and that he's targeted the Organized Team Activity practices in May for his return.

"I feel real good, everything feels strong, so I should be all-in by OTA's," Phillips said in an interview on the team's Web site.

Phillips, in his second season, cracked the starting lineup, and after a brilliant summer was the Giants' leading tackler. He also had two interceptions in the first two games before he was placed on injured reserve.

He was diagnosed with patellofemoral arthritis in his left knee, a degenerative condition, and fears arose about his long-term future. The Giants insist that Phillips, following surgery back in October to relieve the condition, can come back as good as new.

"It did scare me," Phillips said. "The doctors and the trainers made me very aware of my situation and told me guys have had it before and are still playing with it.

"It's nothing to be afraid of, you can make 100 percent recovery. I knew I had to put in some work, and that's what I'm doing. They told me I won't lose anything. Probably be even better."

Phillips says he's at the halfway point in his rehab. He spends his time walking forward and backward on a treadmill. He's hopeful that after his next MRI he'll be ready to begin running in late March.

"Just a matter of time before I'm up and running again," Phillips said.

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(nypost.com)