Last year, Tony Ugoh didn’t return to football because he was 100 percent healthy.

“I was good enough to come back,” Ugoh said today, “so I did.”

Now, the newest Giant believes he’s back to full-strength, 15 months after the Indianapolis Colts waived him with an injury designation because of an undisclosed foot issue. Ugoh signed with the Detroit Lions in December and was with the team until August, when he left camp for a few days while reportedly pondering retirement. He was waived shortly thereafter.

Ugoh, who was signed by the Giants to replace Stacy Andrews on the roster, says he's healthy and focused now.

“I want to be playing football,” he said. “The quicker I can get back to that, the happier I’ll be. It was definitely good to get another chance.”

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Ugoh, who worked out for the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills earlier this season, had his suitcase by his locker today and was trying to figure out how to properly file his laundry after practice. He’s learning those basics while also getting acclimated to the team’s playbook. Given the injuries on the offensive line, the 6-5, 301-pound former second-round pick might not be that far away from playing.

“It’s basically meetings after meetings, after practice, after the day’s over with,” he said, “just trying to get the offense down and then we’ll go from there.”

For more Giants coverage, follow Mike Garafolo on Twitter at twitter.com/MikeGarafolo

Mike Garafolo: mgarafolo@starledger.com