MKRob Sports

It’s getting lonely over there for New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross in the rehab area. But he doesn’t expect to be there much longer.

Ross, who is still out with his injured hamstring, had a big smile on his face today and insisted his return to action is “Real close now.” The Giants cornerback said he’s feeling “a whole lot better” and has been running, cutting and backpedaling all week long.

Next up for him is a return to individual drills, which might – - might – - happen sometime next week.

First, Ross said he’ll meet with Dr. Russell Warren, the Giants’ team physician, to see how his hamstring reacted to all the running this week. They’re going to be “smart” about bringing him back, Ross said, because he’s already had to abort two comeback tries after one practice.

He knows this comeback will be his last chance this year.

“It’s pretty crucial now,” Ross said. “If I get hurt again, the season’s pretty much down the drain.”

Ross, who hasn’t played in a game this season and has only practiced twice since early August, said the plan will be to ease into individual drills so he can see how his hamstring holds up when he’s reacting to the movements of receivers. And he said he’ll begin at “half-speed” in those individual drills at first.

“When I first tried to come back I went full and popped it,” Ross said. “This time I’ll learn from my mistake and go half speed on the reaction.”

Though Ross said he has no timetable, it sounds as if it could take several weeks for him to ease his way back into action. So even if he begins individual drills next week, he still might not be looking at actually getting into a game until December.

First, though, he has to make it back to the field without suffering any immediate setbacks. Asked if he was nervous, Ross said “Not nervous at all. I’m more anxious than anything. I haven’t played in three months.”

Because of that, he can’t wait to be cleared even for a return to limited action.

“It’s a start,” he said. “Anything would put a smile on my face.”