New York Giants Dealt a Major Blow as Terrell Thomas Tears ACL

When it finally seemed as if the Giants were making strides toward becoming an elite contender in NFC, Big Blue was dealt a major blow—arguably the biggest loss of the offseason, and one that can potentially derail their entire season.

Terrell Thomas, an emerging star who has put together an impressive training camp, tore his ACL when he collided with Jason Pierre-Paul in the first half of the Giants' preseason game against the Chicago Bears, according to ESPN New York's Ohm Youngmisuk. 

Although Thomas looked to be OK as he limped off the field without any assistance, his ACL injury may cost him the entire 2011 NFL season.

Here are tweets from Youngmisuk following Thomas' injury: 

"For those not watching, Terrell Thomas down right now, looks like JPP ran into him and took him off his feet."

"Coughlin on field looking at TT. A lot of defensive players out there as well."

"TT walking off now, limping to locker room."

"Suzy Kolber just reported that Terrell Thomas has a torn ACL."

"This is horrible news. Thomas was having an excellent camp, hoped to make the Pro Bowl this year. Aaron Ross now starts."

The 26-year-old Thomas is coming off a season in which he led the Giants in tackles (101), interceptions (five) and passes defensed (21). 

Thomas is the third Giants' cornerback to suffer an injury this offseason, along with Bruce Johnson (IR) and first-round pick Prince Amukamara (out indefinitely).