It was only one practice, the first full one for Victor Cruz since he suffered a groin injury two weeks ago. It was, however, a huge step forward as Cruz, who has missed 26 straight regular-season games, with a torn patella tendon and a calf injury, has reached the 11th hour in his effort to prove he can be an effective wide receiver for the New York Giants.
Hopeful teammates liked what they saw.
Talked to Bennett Jackson about Victor Cruz. Covered him a lot today on scout team.
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) August 23, 2016
BJax: "That's the fastest I've seen him moving around."
"He came out and looked fresh today." - @OBJ_3 on Victor Cruz today #Giants
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 23, 2016
OBJ on Cruz: "Just seeing him back out there catching some balls, turning up field, bursting a little bit, it feels good, it feels right."
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) August 23, 2016
OBJ recalls 1 play he thought he was open. Looked back and Cruz was running with ball. Was impressed. Said: "In my opinion, he looked great"
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 23, 2016
General manager Jerry Reese said at the beginning of training camp that Cruz “has to get some game snaps” to show he is ready to play once again.
“He hasn’t played in a couple years, so it is still --- we are hoping for the best and I believe he will make it, I really do,” Reese said at the time. “I believe he will make it and be a contributor.”
Cruz is running out of time to prove to the Giants he can do that. Saturday’s preseason game against the New York Jets will be the third, and probably the last time regulars play any significant snaps.
We still don’t know if Reese’s optimism will be rewarded. For one day, though, Cruz made it look possible.