AP

When a guy has torn a pair of ACLs, any injury in the vicinity makes people think worst-case scenario.

But the news on Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas is apparently much better than anyone believed possible a week ago. While some feared he had torn his ACL again, he might only miss a month, rather than the entire season.

Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger, citing an unnamed source, said Thomas could return in three to five weeks.

The source said a pair of doctors and the Giants medical staff found that Thomas had “stretched” and “aggravated” his ACL but did not tear it.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin can at least smile when asked about Thomas’ condition, which is a good sign as well.

“I like your questions. I think they’re great,” Coughlin said with a laugh. “That would be wonderful if he went out there and did all these zigzags and came off and had no swelling and felt great and said, ‘Okay, what’s next?’ But I can’t tell you what the answer’s going go be when he does all of that.”

Asked if the lack of a arthroscopic procedure, and the fact he wasn’t declared out for the season was a best-case scenario, Coughlin replied: ““I think it is. That’s the best way to put it.”

The Giants would love it if he returned, as they’re not exactly deep at the position, but his injury history is going to make them hold their breath at every bump.