EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Giants today received good news regarding linebacker Jon Beason, increasing the likelihood, though not guaranteeing, their middle linebacker will be ready for the season opener.

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Beason does not require surgery to repair the ligament tear and small fracture to the sesamoid in his right foot that he sustained last week. That decision was made yesterday, after Beason was examined by foot and ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte. After the exam and a review of Beason's MRI, X-Rays and CT scan, it was determined that Beason's foot will be immobilized for six weeks (three weeks in a cast and three in a walking boot) as the first step in his rehabilitation.

The Giants open training camp on July 21 and the season on Sept. 8 in Detroit.

"My visit with Dr. Anderson went as well as it could have yesterday," Beason said. "I'm happy that it was determined that I will be able to recover without surgery. My plan is to work as hard as I can during my rehab so I can be fully recovered around the start of the regular season opener on Monday night in Detroit."

Coach Tom Coughlin said he was optimistic after hearing the plan for Beason's recovery.

"Any time that the decision is made with regard to no surgery, the idea that it will scar in itself, it's good, it's good news," Coughlin said.

The Giants will still miss Beason. Though he was in the defensive meetings today, he was not on the field for the team's first minicamp practice. Beason is one of the team leaders by word and deed, so his absence will not go unnoticed.

"I think once he can get out on the field," Coughlin said,  "and be around the players … I think as soon as he can do that he'll be out there standing next to the coaches, involved in the signaling and so on, know the defenses, know the calls, helping young guys when they come on and off. That will all take place.

"I think there will be guys that will pick (the leadership) up. Certainly we'd like to have Jon out there. We're going to miss that part of it."

Although Beason and the Giants are hopeful he will return in time to face the Lions, no injury timeline includes a guarantee.

"I have no way of knowing that," Coughlin said when asked if Beason will have enough time to get ready for the opener. "We would hope that, but we'll see. He certainly will be weight-bearing for really a lot of time. And he'll be in great shape, he's one of those."

The Giants hope he's also a fast healer.