Victor Cruz will not play this week per Coach Coughlin. #Giants pic.twitter.com/8Te0qgivCo
— New York Giants (@Giants) October 1, 2015
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin confirmed on Thursday what had been expected since Victor Cruz left practice early due to his troublesome calf injury. Cruz will not make his return to action Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
"Victor tried it yesterday and it did not feel right to him, so he did not practice, just a little bit in very beginning. Obviously, we're all disappointed in that. But we choose to take the road that we really don't have a lot of choice, which means that get him back in rehab, get him back to work and see when he can on the field," said head coach Tom Coughlin. "He tried it and didn't make it. He will not be able to play this week."
Cruz has not played since suffering a torn patellar tendon Week 6 of last season vs. the Philadelphia Eagles. He was trying to practice Wednesday for the first time since injuring the calf during training camp on August 17.
Coughlin said that tight end Daniel Fells (ankle) would not practice and that left tackle Ereck Flowers was "gimpy," but would try to work. Coughlin also said that defensive end Robert Ayers, who missed last Thursday's game against the Washington Redskins with a hamstring injury, had a setback on Wednesday.
Wes Welker an option for the Giants?
The Giants worked out Wes Welker and Hakeem Nicks earlier this week, and Coughlin was asked on Thursday if the 34-year-old Welker, out of football most likely due to a series of concussions, could be an option.
Asked if the Giants might sign Welker, Coughlin said there's "always a chance" for any of the guys who worked out "if the need comes around"
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoNYDN) October 1, 2015
Tom Coughlin says Wes Welker was "quick" and impressive in his workout Tuesday. Coughlin adds that Welker is healthy and could be signed.
— Bart Hubbuch (@BartHubbuch) October 1, 2015
Welker is a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro who has 890 receptions over an 11-year career. He was limited to just eight games with the Denver Broncos last season, but is, of course, one of the most accomplished slot receivers in football.
Thursday Injury Report
TE Jerome Cunningham Knee DNP
TE Daniel Fells Ankle DNP
DE Robert Ayers Hamstring DNP
WR Victor Cruz Calf DNP - Out
RB Orleans Darkwa Knee FP
T Ereck Flowers Ankle LP
DT Markus Kuhn Knee DNP
DE Owa Odighizuwa Foot FP