EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Sam Beal today returned to the practice field, which he hopes is a precursor to him finally playing a game in a Giants uniform.
"(I am) excited," the second-year cornerback said. "You're always anxious. Just a little anxious, because you haven't been out there in a while. You just want to see how you're moving, see how it really feels. But I felt great."
Since he was selected in the third round of the 2018 supplemental draft, Beal has yet to play in either a preseason or regular-season game and has made only cameo appearances in practice.
He spent all of last season on injured reserve after undergoing shoulder surgery. A player on I.R. is prohibited from practicing. In the spring, he was battling first-round draft choice DeAndre Baker for the starting left cornerback job. But a hamstring injury derailed him again. The Giants kept him on their original 53-man roster before returning him to injured reserve on Sept. 1, which made him eligible to return after the team played its eighth game.
"I actually didn't think it was going to be this long, to be honest," Beal said of his latest injury. "I haven't really dealt with a hamstring before. So, I'm thinking 'Okay, maybe just like a little cramp or something. I'll deal with it.' But it wouldn't go away. So, you just have to deal with it as it comes."
Beal has spent two years studying coordinator James Bettcher's defense, which enabled him to step in and practice full speed.
"I haven't missed a meeting," Beal said. "Just being in there, paying attention and staying locked in. Coach is always speaking to us, keeping us all on the same track. Staying on the right page, taking the right notes, I'll be right on pace with the rest of the guys."
The Giants have two important dates regarding Beal. The first is Oct. 28, the first day after their eighth game (at Detroit), when Beal is eligible to join the roster. The second is Nov. 6, two days after the Giants' Monday night game against Dallas, which is the team's deadline for deciding whether to activate Beal or keep him on I.R. for the remainder of the season.
Beal is eager to join 2019 draft choices Baker, Julian Love and Corey Ballentine to give the Giants a strong quartet of young cornerbacks.
Did he develop a chip on his shoulder with all his idle time?
"I think it's more than a chip now," he said. "That crack got a little bigger. It's just like a hole. I'll fill it in."
View rare photos from the all-time series between the Giants and Cardinals.
Photo shows Dill Stacey, 24, right, St. Louis Cardinals back, attempts to tackle quarterback Y.A. Tittle, 14, of the New York Giants moments before the latter passed the ball to teammate Phil King, not shown, for a first down in fourth quarter of game at New York?s Yankee Stadium in New York, on Nov. 4, 1962. Giants won 31-28. (AP Photo)
New York Giant Andy Nelson, almost obscured by sheet of flying mud and water, gets a face full of it as he hits the wet deck after knocking pass out of the hands of St. Louis Cardinals Jackie Smith (81) Nov. 15, 1964. Moving in on the action is Lou Slaby. Game was 10-10 tie. (AP Photo/Fred Waters)
With a ball tucked under his arm, New York Giants Ernie Koy is brought down from behind by St. Louis Cardinals Jerry Stovall in the first period at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 18, 1967, New York. Ernie picked up 15 yards, good for a first down. Cardinal players at right are Larry Stallings (67) and Larry Wilson. The Giants won the final game of the regular National Football season, 37-14. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Elmer Angsman (7), Chicago Cardinal back hits the ground after fumbling the ball but teammate Knox Ramsey (70) recovered for a 10-yard gain in second period of National Football League game with the New York Giants in Polo grounds, New York City, Nov. 12, 1950. Other identifiable players are Jon Baker (60), guard; John Mastrangelo (66), guard; Harmon Rowe (22), back; and Bill Milner (61), guard, of the Giants and Bill Fischer (72), Cardinal Tackle. Giants won, 51 to 21. (AP Photo/HH)
New York Giants running back Tucker Frederickson (24) avoids the jam up of would-be St. Louis Cardinals tacklers as he moves around them for a gain of three yards and a first down, Oct. 4, 1971, St. Louis, Mo. The rest of the players are unidentified. (AP Photo/Fred Waters)
Quarterback Craig Morton (15) of the New York Giants hands off to running back Joe Dawkins (26) in 1975. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) sets up to pass behind tackle Brad Benson (60) during an NFL game against the St. Louis Cardinals in St. Louis on Dec. 9, 1979. The Cardinals defeated the Giants 29-20. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Ron Johnson (30) of the New York Giants is halted in his tracks by Don Parish of the St. Louis Cardinals after Johnson made a gain of five yards in first quarter action on Sunday, Dec. 13, 1970 at St. Louis. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Rocky Thompson takes a flying leap for six-yard gain during the second quarter of game with St. Louis Cardinals at Yankee Stadium, Nov. 28, 1971, New York. Other identifiable players are Giants Bob Hyland (70), foreground, and Cardinals Norm Thompson (43), right. St. Louis won, 24-7. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
St. Louis Cardinals running back Theotis Brown (33) is stopped by a New York Giants defender during an NFL game in St. Louis on Dec. 9, 1979. The Cardinals defeated the Giants 29-20. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Ron Shivers (27) of the St. Louis Cardinals is brought down by New York Giants Otto Brown (21), Dick Houston (behind Shivers), and Pat Hughes (left, on ground) after Shivers returned the kick off to the 22-yard line in first quarter National Football League action on Sunday, Dec. 13, 1970 at St. Louis. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterback Fran Tarkenton one-hands the ball as he runs across the goal line after carrying it himself from four yards out in the second quarter, Sunday, Dec. 13, 1970, St. Louis, Mo. Teammate Aaron Thomas (88) follows Tarkenton. The rest of the players are unidentified. (AP Photo)
Fran Tarkenton, New York Giants quarterback, shows why he is known for his scrambling finesse as he evades Cardinals in first quarter of game and prepares to throw a pass in New York, Oct. 28, 1970. Selected by the Associated Press as the NFL's offensive player of the week, Tarkenton staged the most productive aerial show of his career by throwing five touchdown passes. (AP Photo/Spencer Jones)
Ron Johnson (30) of the New York Giants is tackled from behind by Larry Wilson (8) of the St. Louis Cardinals after making 17-yard gain in fourth quarter in New York on Sunday, Oct. 26, 1970. Making head tackle is Don Parish (57) of the Cardinals, followed by teammates Joe Schmiesing (82) and Chuck Walker (79). (AP Photo)
Don Parish of St. Louis Cardinals reaches out, but can?t get, Ron Johnson (30) of New York Giants in third quarter National Football League action on Sunday, Dec. 14, 1970 at St. Louis, and went on to score. New York beat St. Louis, 34-17. (AP Photo)
Clifton McNeil (18) of New York Giants pulls in pass from quarterback Fran Tarkenton for a gain of 45 yards as Roger Wehrli (22) closes in during third quarter National Football League action Sunday, Dec. 13, 1970 at St. Louis. Play set up New York for touchdown and final win over St. Louis, 34-17. (AP Photo)
Conrad Dobler,left, of the St. Louis Cardinals, tries to block a charging George Martin of the New York Giants during the fourth period of the game at Giants Stadium, Dec. 5, 1977. Martin was trying to sack Jim Hart, the Cards' quarterback, and while Dobler stopped Martin, he received a 15-yard penalty for "illegal use of the hands." (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) attempts to escape the grasp of St. Louis Cardinals E.J. Junior (54) during the second half in St. Louis, Nov. 24, 1985. (AP Photo/Oscar Waters)
New York Giants Leonard Marshall cuts in front of the Phoenix Cardinals Luis Sharpe (67) to sack quarterback Gary Hogeboom (5) in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 25, 1989. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 35-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Lionel Manuel (86) runs upfield with a reception as St. Louis Cardinals cornerback Lionel Washington (48) closes in during an NFL game in East Rutherford on November 18, 1984. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 16-10. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants linebacker Pepper Johnson (52) makes a leaping interception during an NFL game against the Phoenix Cardinals on November 5, 1989. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 20-13. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler scrambles for 19 yards and a touchdown against the Phoenix Cardinals during the first quarter of their game in Tempe, Arizona Sunday, Nov. 5, 1989. The Giants led 14-3 at the half. (AP Photo/Rob Schumacher)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) is seen in action during an NFL game against the St. Louis Cardinals Sept. 22, 1985, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Phoenix Cardinals safety Laster Lylcs, right, holds tight to bring down the New York Giants Mark Bavaro after he caught a 36 yard pass from quarterback Phil Simms in the first quarter of NFL game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, Dec. 4, 1988. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) reacts after throwing a second quarter touchdown to wide receiver Stacy Robinson against the Phoenix Cardinals at Giants Stadium in N.J., Dec. 4, 1988. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Neil Lomax is sacked by New York Giants linebacker Harry Carson in the first quarter of the game, Dec 14, 1986 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Susan Ragan)
New York Giants' Lee Rouson carries the ball past St. Louis Cardinals' Collin Scotts, (69), for a three-yard gain in the forth quarter of play in East Ratherfort, N.J. on Sunday, October 26, 1987. The Gaints beat the Cardinals 30-7 for their first win of the season. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (89) celebrates with teammate David Patten after Toomer scored on a 56-yard touchdown reception during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Nov. 16, 1997, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 19-10. (AP Photo/John Dunn)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals Oct. 10, 1999, in Glendale, Ariz. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants tight end Howard Cross (87) rushes upfield with the ball during an NFL Game against the Arizona Cardinals Oct. 18, 1998, in East Rutherford, N. J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals Oct. 10, 1999, in Glendale, Ariz.(Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals Oct. 10, 1999, in Glendale, Ariz. (Allen Kee via AP)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Dave Brown (17) loses the ball as he is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Cedric Jones during the first quarter Sunday, Nov, 28, 1999, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Giants defensive end Michael Strahan recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Chris Calloway (80) runs upfield with the ball during an NFL Game against the Arizona Cardinals Oct. 18, 1998, in East Rutherford, N. J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Chris Calloway (80) catches a pass during an NFL Game against the Arizona Cardinals Oct. 18, 1998, in East Rutherford, N. J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants tight end Dan Campbell (89) scores easily past Arizona Cardinals Aeneas Williams during the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 26, 2000 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.(AP Photo/Paul Connors)
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 23: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants drops back to pass against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 23, 2008 in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 37-29. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants line up against the Arizona Cardinals during a NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 25, 2009 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 23: Jerheme Urban #85 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by Michael Johnson #20 of the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 23, 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 37-29. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
New York Giants' Domenik Hixon (87) returns the first of two long kickoff runs against the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants' Terrell Thomas (24) runs with the ball after intercepting a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals' Steve Breaston (15) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 37-29. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) pass rushes during an NFL game against the St. Louis Cardinals in East Rutherford, 2000. (AP Photo/Tony Tomsic)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws as Arizona Cardinals Adrian Wilson (24) and Karlos Dansby (58) defend during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants Visanthe Shiancoe, center and Jim Finn, right, congratulate Plaxico Burress after he scored a touchdown on a 13 yard pass from Eli Manning during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 11, 2005. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 42-19. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants punt returner Chad Morton jumps into the arms of Giants' Sean Berton (88) after Morton scored on a 52-yard punt return during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Sept. 11, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ron Dayne escapes the tackle attempt by Arizona Cardinals defensive back Kwamie Lassiter on his way to scoring the Giants third touchdown of the game during the fourth quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday, Sept. 3, 2000. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 21-16. (AP Photo/John Greilick)
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin directs his team from the sidelines during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Sept. 11, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 42-19. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Keith Hamilton, top, sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Dave Brown during the third quarter Sunday, Nov. 26, 2000 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.(AP Photo/Samantha Feldman)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber heads for the goal line to score a touchdown on a 21 yard run as Arizona Cardinals Antrel Rolle follows during the third quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 11, 2005. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 42-19. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber signals first down as Arizona Cardinals' David Barrett (36) watches during the fourth quarter Sunday, Nov. 11, 2001 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. Barber rushed for 118 yards in 17 carries in the Giants 17-10 win.(AP Photo/Matt York)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) dives over the goal line to score the Giants first touchdown as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Aeneas Williams tries in vain to stop him during the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday, Sept. 3, 2000. (AP Photo/John Greilick)
Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11) and New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) shake hands after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 31-27. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 23-0. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz (80) slips away from the tackle attempt by Arizona Cardinals' Michael Adams (27) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 31-27. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) carries the ball and fights off Arizona Cardinals free safety Tony Jefferson (22) during a week 2 football game on September 14, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Eli Manning, left, drops back to throw a pass as Arizona Cardinals' Daryl Washington closes in to defend during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants defeated the Cardinals 31-27. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) scores the game-winning touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 31-27. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday October 20, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona won 27-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, center, celebrates his touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, right, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) slides during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson, right, defends New York Giants' Saquon Barkley during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, right, celebrates a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, center, runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants long snapper Casey Kreiter (58) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Darius Slayton (86)
Daniel Jones (8)
Shane Lemieux (66), Andrew Thomas (78)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Darius Slayton (86)
Darius Slayton (86)
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