New York Giants WR Victor Cruz eager to return to field

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz is ready for his long-awaited football close-up this Saturday.

"I'm ready," Cruz said upon taking the podium, flashing that megawatt smile of his that fans have come to know and love. "It's been a long time coming. I had a good week of practice, everything feels great, so I'm just excited."

Oh sure, it's just a meaningless preseason game against the neighboring New York Jets, but for Cruz, the game formally known as the MetLife Bowl is much more than who earns the right to gain possession of the Snoopy Trophy that's given to the winner.

"This one is crossing so many hurdles, so many barriers, so many ups and downs that I had to face to get to this moment," Cruz said. "Now I'm just ready to relax and just go play some football again. To me this game is bigger than just a game."

Almost two years to the day since he first suffered a potentially career-ending knee injury in October 2014, Cruz has overcome one setback after another and is set to play in his first game Saturday against the Jets, the team that essentially helped launch his star back in 2010.

Head coach Ben McAdoo and the Giants have been pacing Cruz's return so as to avoid any more setbacks, such as what he suffered last summer when he tore his calf muscle. Although Cruz did strain his groin this summer, the team's training staff came up with a plan designed to pace his return to the field.

The plan worked.

"He got through a good practice on our Wednesday practice on Tuesday. Yesterday he got through a three-hour practice in good shape," McAdoo said. "When he first got out here this week, he showed a burst and showed some acceleration, he can put his foot in the ground. He had a really nice release on a slant, which reminded me of the Houston game a few years ago, so it is encouraging."

No one is more encouraged than Cruz, who has tried to stay patient while his body heals. Now that he has that opportunity, he can't help but be a little giddy.

"I feel like a rookie again. There will be butterflies, there will be anxiety. There has been for some time now."

Offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan said earlier this week that he saw flashes of the old Cruz during practice this week.

"There was the suddenness, the explosiveness, the things that I have in my mind, visions of 2011 in terms of that type of quickness," Sullivan said. "So obviously that is something to be excited about, and again, we're just progressing and hoping for the best.

"We're not trying to get overly excited or put too much pressure, just taking it one day, one rep at a time; and he's certainly shown some flashes."

McAdoo said that Cruz will get some early game snaps with the starting offense, though he didn't indicate if there was a set number in mind.

Whatever he gets, Cruz is looking to build on what he started on the practice field.

"Obviously this game is more for me to get hit, have that opportunity to get that game rep, have those game-like actions with Eli (Manning), being on the same page, all those things that you look forward to as a player," Cruz said.

PLAYER NOTES

--S Darian Thompson suffered a shoulder injury in the Giants' loss to the Buffalo Bills. Thompson, whose status has been defined as "week-to-week," will likely miss the rest of the preseason. However, according to a source, there is optimism that the rookie free safety will be ready by the time the Giants get into their preparation for their Sept. 11 season opener at Dallas. "We say week-to-week, but to me it's hour-to-hour," said head coach Ben McAdoo on the rookie's status.

--LG Justin Pugh (shoulder) is unlikely to play against the Jets this weekend after being limited in practice. If Pugh doesn't play, look for Bobby Hart to get his second start of the preseason at left guard.

--FB/TE Will Johnson (burner) remains week-to-week; he will not play Saturday night against the Jets.

--WR Geremy Davis (hamstring) is 50-50 to play against the Jets. Davis was able to practice on a limited basis this week, but McAdoo said a decision would be forthcoming on the second-year receiver.

--TE Matt LaCosse (knee) is not expected to play Saturday night. LaCosse missed this week of practice with a knee injury suffered in last week's game vs. Buffalo.

--LB J.T. Thomas (hamstring) was removed from the physically unable to perform list this week. Thomas is not expected to play Saturday night.