Giants training camp primer, live updates, what to watch

Back injuries really stink! That’s not the lead you were expecting to read this morning in a preview of the first practice of training camp for the New York Giants, but that is where my head is at right now. When the Giants take the field Friday morning, yours truly will miss his first training camp opening day since the Giants began credentialing me in 2008.

I have briefly mentioned my back a couple of times, so here’s the deal. I’ve been on the DL since July 6. I’m working standing up, sleeping on the hardwood floor or the couch, going to the chiropractor multiple times per week and driving only very short distances in the car thanks to a lower back injury that doesn’t want to go away. The one time I did take a longer trip that ended up setting me back several days. No way I can make the 2.5-hour drive, watch practice, sit at a desk and write, then drive home.

So, at least for now, you won’t get the first-hand practice reports and exclusive interviews you have become accustomed to. As you saw with the tremendous volume of stories we posted on Thursday, though, we will continue to give you as much coverage as humanly possible — maybe more than you can read.

I’m targeting Tuesday — the first padded practice — for my initial foray to New Jersey from here just outside of Albany. Fingers crossed that I make it.

Now, on to talking about the Giants. That, after all, is what you really want to hear about. Let’s take a look at some of what will take place when the Giants take the field at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Don’t forget that today’s practice is indoors and closed to the public due to inclement weather.

Victor Cruz will practice

Coach Ben McAdoo was non-committal when asked about Cruz’s status early on Thursday. After watching the returning wide receiver run during conditioning drills, the decision was made to clear Cruz for practice.

These three players won’t

Defensive tackle Damon Harrison (knee swelling), defensive tackle Jay Bromley (ankle surgery) and linebacker J.T. Thomas are on the PUP list to begin training camp. McAdoo on Thursday did not seem overly concerned about any of the injuries. Harrison took to Twitter Thursday night to calm the fears of freaked out Giants fans.

UDFA Melvin Lewis on NFI list

There will be practice changes

If you ever attended a Giants practice run by Tom Coughlin, what you see this year will look different. There is much more music, there are different drills, there is a loud speaker that announces when it’s time to move to the next drill. There is also no end of practice stretch. The call of “Bands” that ended practices under Coughlin is no longer.

In case you missed it

Here is some of our coverage from Thursday, when players reported for physicals and a conditioning test.

• Optimism rules the day
• Rashad Jennings worried about winning, not carries
• McAdoo wants “real physical” training camp
• Jason Pierre-Paul thinks he can be dominant
• Landon Collins expects better second season

Live updates