New York Giants: Why You Shouldn’t Count Victor Cruz Out Yet
By Jordan Milne
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz has injury concerns once again in 2016. Is is time to give up on him yet?
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz missed another practice yesterday which is almost becoming the norm for Cruz since suffering a torn patella tendon in 2014. He was out yesterday with a groin injury he suffered last week and was not able to workout with the team, only participating in individual drills.
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Since suffering a string of injuries dating back to 2014, questions surround the 7th year receiver, but among the Giants community and management, they are letting Cruz know they haven’t given up on him and the fans shouldn’t either.
It’s been almost 2 years since Cruz last played a game for the Giants. Ever since the 2014 season, he hasn’t been able to get on the field whether it’s an injury to his groin or hamstring, but there is still potential for Cruz to be a valuable offensive piece when he does return to the field.
It was just a few seasons ago when he emerged on the scene as a dynamic weapon for Manning and the Giants on his way to helping the team win Super Bowl XLVI. That season he amassed more than 1,500 yards receiving and established himself as a go-to guy for Manning making big play after big play including an NFL-record-tying 99-yard touchdown.
Cruz continued to have solid production up until he was injured early in the 2014 season, which also saw the emergence of Odell Beckham Jr. Those dreams of a Cruz and Beckham Jr. tandem on the field together, healthy, has turned into wishful thinking ever since. But it’s surely what GM Jerry Reese and coach Ben McAdoo have in mind when reassuring fans they haven’t given up on Cruz yet.
"“We’re still not giving up on Cruz, Hopefully, he’ll make it back” – GM Jerry Reese"
Coach Ben McAdoo briefly mentioned to the media yesterday that he and Cruz had a conversation about his injury. Choosing to keep the details private, he communicated the message that the team is interested and wants to keep him motivated. McAdoo was, of course, formerly the Giants offensive coordinator last season is familiar with the struggle Cruz has been through trying to get back on the field, and is optimistic about getting him back on the field during the preseason.
With Beckham Jr. commanding regular double teams, an improved O-line, and the addition of rookie slot maestro Sterling Shepard; Big Blue is definitely looking for Cruz to not only be a veteran option, but a dynamic one.
There is definitely optimism among the team that if Vic “comes back like Vic” according to Janoris Jenkins, they will have an offensive attack as potent as any in the league. There would be a ton of speed on the field with those 3, and would unquestionably give Manning his best receiving corps in years.
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The Giants remain hopeful that Cruz will not only return, but return to form when he gets back on the field. That form is a Pro Bowl caliber receiver that can add a legitimate second option opposite Beckham Jr. In the NFC East, that could be the winning recipe for a division title.