EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. –- Giants defensive back Terrell Thomas says he will be ready for the start of training camp without any limitations.

How much the Giants will let him do when camp begins in late July remains to be seen. But Thomas, who missed the past two seasons because of knee injuries, believes he will surprise many.

"I am able to do everything," Thomas said. "It is more about getting comfortable and trusting myself without hesitating, without thinking and just reacting, and I am almost there. Physically I haven't swelled up in the last four months."

Terrell Thomas is in uniform for this week's minicamp, but the true test will come during training camp. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

"I can be realistic with myself knowing that I had two ACLs in one year and it is a long journey," he added. "But I'll be back and I'm going to shock a lot of people."

Thomas says doctors have already given him clearance for training camp. But the Giants might want to proceed cautiously with Thomas, who tore his right ACL during a preseason game in August 2011, then re-injured his knee early in camp last year when he slipped during an individual drill.

Thomas, 28, also underwent knee surgery in college. He knows the odds of a successful return are against him.

"And I kind of like it that way," Thomas said. "My life hasn't been easy. I felt like God has put things in my journey to make it possible to overcome it. I have been through a lot of hardship in my journey and I accept the challenge."

If Thomas can return healthy, he could fortify a secondary that includes Corey Webster, Prince Amukamara, Aaron Ross and Jayron Hosley. If healthy, Thomas could see time as the third safety in passing situations, according to safeties coach Dave Merritt.

"I'm whatever they need me to be," Thomas said. "At this point in my career, it is all about getting healthy and contributing in any way. If that's a leadership role, a safety role, nickel, corner, kickoff, I will do whatever I need to do."

During this week's minicamp, Thomas has done work on the side as the team brings him along slowly.

"I will be ready for training camp without limitation," Thomas said. "The amount of work I do [in camp], I don't know. ... I'm already cleared for training camp. I got three months [before the season begins] to keep getting stronger and healthy and rehab."