Victor Cruz, continuing to progress in his recovery from a torn patellar tendon, said Wednesday that he is "itching" to get back on the field. Cruz attended Wednesday's New York Giants OTA, but did not participate.
" I am itching. I am running routes and feeling good, but I know there is still a process and I am still a little ways away in terms of strength-wise and things like that. It feels good and watching those guys run routes and catch balls, I am definitely itching to get back out there," Cruz said. "(Things) are going well. I moved into running more routes and running some more patterns. Feeling more confident in that regard. It is feeling really good right now.
"I think the guys are just going to take it slow. I think I am going to do some individuals later on. I think sometime in June and then we will take it from there."
Robert Ayers escapes major injury
Defensive end Robert Ayers, carted off the field Wednesday after the first play of 11-on-11 drills, escaped without any major injury, according to reports from both FOX Sports and the New York Post.
Eli Manning takes shot at Jeremy Shockey
Asked about the joint practices the Giants will hold this summer with the Cincinnati Bengals, Giants quarterback Eli Manning used the opportunity to take a shot at former Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey.
"Shockey’s not here anymore, so I think we’ll have a shot to keep it civilized," Manning said.
When the Giants last staged a joint practice it was at the University of Albany with the Jets in 2005, and Shockey started a fight with several Gang Green players. Shockey has been out of football since 2011.
"Giants and Jets, the whole deal," Manning said. "With the Bengals I think we’ll be able to keep it civilized. The two coaches (Tom Coughlin and Bengals coach Marvin Lewis) that are conducting this both want to get something out of it and keep it productive."
Pugh adjusting to guard
The Giants had made the decision to move Justin from right tackle to left guard before the injury to Will Beatty. To this point that plan is not changing, and that is OK with with Pugh.
"I like it," Pugh said. "Like I said when we did some interviews before, wherever I have to play is where I am going to play. Right now I am at left guard and I love it.
"Obviously, it is a totally different position. I am on the other side of the ball. I feel comfortable being in a left-handed stance. I played left tackle all through college. You just have a guy that is right on you. It is a lot closer. Everything happens a lot quicker. I am leaning on John Jerry and Geoff Schwartz to really help me out because they have that experience in that position."
One liners
Giants poised to explode on offense with Eli Manning surrounded by weapons
New York Giants: Creating the Blueprint for Optimal Offense in 2015 | Bleacher Report
What is really wrong with the technique of Giants offensive lineman Ereck Flowers? | NJ.com
For Eli Manning, Shockey-less joint camp a good thing - NY Daily News
Parkland grad Andre Williams continues to blossom with Giants - The Morning Call