Sources say Giants wide receiver Kedarius Toni had a minor arthroscopic procedure on his knee, which is why he is in a red jersey at spring OTA practices.
But he is expected to recover and be ready for training camp.
Tony, 23, stood on his feet in Thursday’s open practice. He caught a few balls from the JUGS machine before practicing with rehab partner from wideout Sterling Shepard (Achilles).
Veteran receiver Kenny Golladay also wore red and did not practice. Head coach Brian Dabol did not reveal why, but suggested that except for O-linemen Nick Gates (leg fracture) and Matt Pert (ACL), everyone else is on track for the start of camp.
“I think everyone is moving in the right direction,” Dabol said. “They did a good job. The training staff did a really good job… I would say [Gates] And Matt Pert, they’re rehabilitating every day, getting better every day. So we’ll see where they are.”
Wide receivers coach Mike Groh said on Thursday that Tony is “not running at full speed right now” but assured that he will be “ready to leave” for real football.
Tony lost a lot of time during his rookie off-season last year due to contract holdouts, COVID and leg and hamstring injuries. He then dealt with a laundry list of injuries early in the season: a second COVID positive, hamstring, and an ankle, thumb, quad, oblique, and shoulder.
He encouraged production against the Saints and the Cowboys, but was kicked out of a Dallas defeat for throwing a punch and struggled to stay healthy.
The Giants called to trade Tony in April – and draft undersized Gadget receiver Vandell Robinson in the second round – but remains a first-round pick on the team.
Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said Thursday he has enjoyed working with Tony and views him as a playwright in the Giants’ offense.
“He’s a dynamic player,” Kafka said. “He has the ability to play on the periphery, inside, down, in the small area. He’s one of those people you look for to make plays for us.”
The team’s off-season schedule began on 4 April. The Daily News reported that the team was looking for a trade on April 22. Multiple outlets confirmed that Tony was available. Tony flew over the New York/New Jersey area that weekend and first reported the feature on April 25.
GM Joe Scion said during the NFL Draft that the Giants weren’t buying Tony. Now he is dealing with a small issue that is not expected to jeopardize the start of his camp.
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