When it comes to injuries, the Giants will take ever bit of good news after the past few seasons. They were the most injured team in the NFL in 2015 for the third straight year.



So when defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins says he's fully recovered from a torn pectoral muscle that sidelined him most of last season, it's reason to celebrate.

Hankins was injured while forcing a fumble in a Week 9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had surgery in early November. Torn pectoral muscles traditionally require a five-to-six month recovery period.

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It has been approximately five months since Hankins' surgery and he does not expect to be limited at all this spring.

"I'm ahead of everything. I'm pretty much fully healthy and full-go," he said Monday as the Giants assembled for the first time this season and began their offseason workout program. "Everything's going pretty good. I'll be in there fully."

Hankins is expected to play a significant role on the Giants defense this season. Paired with newly signed defensive tackle Damon Harrison they expect to be especially stout on the interior.



The hope is that the improved run defense trickles to every level. It will make the Giants better on third downs and help their linebackers. With Harrison and Hankins occupying offensive linemen, the linebackers and safeties will be able to run freely and make plays.



Hankins, 24, had 30 tackles in nine games last season. He did not record a sack.



The second-round pick in 2013 out of Ohio State had 7.0 sacks in a breakout season the previous year.

Jordan Raanan may be reached at jraanan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanRaanan. Find NJ.com Giants on Facebook.