New York Giants

Giants TE Larry Donnell out of walking boot, ready for camp

Published Jul. 27, 2015 9:47 a.m. ET

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It was nearly 10 months ago when New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell ripped up the Redskins in a Week 4 battle to the tune of three touchdowns in one game. Although Donnell finished the final 12 games of the season with just two touchdowns and three games with over 50 yards receiving, he carries high expectations into 2015.

During the Giants' spring practices, Donnell sat with Achilles tendinitis. According to Donnell, this is an issue that originated in college when he dealt with a partial tear in his Achilles tendon. It hadn't resurfaced until earlier this offseason, and Donnell refused to call his absence from practice anything more than a precaution. Here's how he described the injury back in early June:

"Just trying to keep it as still as possible," Donnell said, per ESPN. "Just taking it day-by-day, nothing serious. Just taking care of it right now so when I do go out there, I can go full-speed."

Donnell was telling the truth. According to Jordan Raanan of True Jersey, Donnell is out of the walking boot and training down in Alabama in his final days before the start of training camp.

For Donnell, getting back on the field for the start of training camp is more important than people think. Donnell struggled as a receiver for the final 12 games, and as a run blocker for the entire regular season. He also struggled with fumbling issues toward the final stretch of the season.

A few former undrafted free agent tight ends like Matt LaCosse, Jerome Cunningham and Will Tye have all stood out during spring practices. Donnell's role as the move tight end is not set in stone.

Having said that, if he can get back on the field, he will certainly have the inside track at the same role he played in 2014. Donnell spent a large chunk of his offseason, before the injury, working on improving his blocking. Before the injury, the Giants have revealed their plans to move him around into the backfield and the slot more often in 2015.

(h/t True Jersey)