Victor Cruz expects to play Sunday vs. Dallas Cowboys

Good news came from New York Giants practice Monday as wide receiver Victor Cruz returned to practice for the first time since injuring his heel against the Indianapolis Colts in the second preseason game.

#NYG Pro Bowl WR Victor Cruz had not run on flat ground as of Friday afternoon, but that has changed + he looks good pic.twitter.com/vuYeaPYUH4

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) September 2, 2013

On one of the first plays of the second preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts Cruz went up to catch a pass and came down awkwardly on his foot.  X-rays came back negative, but to stay cautious he spent the rest of preseason off the field and in a boot.  Now Cruz is out of his boot and back to practice.

"They were predicting a couple more weeks, but I was diligent in the treatment room and at home, doing the things I needed to do," said Cruz.  "I'm pretty much ahead of schedule and I'm happy about that."

Cruz is hoping the weather holds up throughout the week so he can practice on grass outside. Either way he's running around and making cuts as if he's in a game and everything seemed to be OK.

"I can't think about it too much," said Cruz. "I have to go out there and run routes the way I would run them in a game.  That's how I approached it and it ended up well. Nothing happened. Nothing dramatic happened when I was out there, so it felt good.  I was positive."

Cruz practicing is a good sign as it gives him a real good chance to play Sunday night versus the Dallas Cowboys in the season opener.  He is also vowing to play.

"If everything continues to feel good in the morning and doesn't swell up on me or anything crazy I'll be good to go," said Cruz. "I just want to play."

You can follow Kelsey O'Donnell on Twitter @KelsODonnell