When the New York Giants report back for camp and begin preparation for the 2017 season, they will be getting a piece of the secondary back from an injury that could have a significant impact on the entire defense.

Second-year safety Darian Thompson missed just about his entire rookie season due to a foot injury that eventually landed him on the injured reserve list. He’s been working with the team to get back healthy and All-Pro safety Landon Collins likes what he sees.

“He’s been running with us. He’s full speed,” said Collins of Thompson. “He definitely looks very healthy and in the meeting rooms, he’s still as smart as he was when he first stepped in.”

Thompson came in as the Giants’ 2016 third-round pick and many pegged him as the one to start opposite of Collins in the back of the secondary but the foot injury kept him from playing in the final 14 games.

Collins is coming off of a true breakout year in which he earned Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors but he sees a bright future for Thompson, who could have an impact early on.

“Definitely. He’s smart, fast, quick and knows the game. He has the knowledge,” said Collins. “In doing so, that’s what you need as a partner, leader and secondary person to run a defense.”

The job won’t be Thompson’s immediately when he gets back. Nat Berhe figures to be in the running and with the way Andrew Adams took over due to injuries, there should be a nice competition in training camp.

The Giants had one of the best secondaries in the entire NFL last season and getting Thompson back into the mix could improve the unit even more if he is able to stay healthy.