New York Giants: players who could get less playing time
By Eric Mollo
Nov 17, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) celebrates a big 1st down 2nd half
at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Victor Cruz
This is pretty much injury-based reasoning. Cruz seems like he’s way ahead of schedule rehabbing his knee. Even if he is 100% by Week 1, it doesn’t mean the Giants will play him like he’s 100%. Cruz just underwent maybe the toughest injury any football player can come back from—and he’s a player who relies on quickness and cutting, something patellar tendon tears tend to sap.
I expect Cruz to play this season—and I expect him to contribute too—but it’s unfair to think we’re going to be watching the big-play Victor Cruz we’re so used to seeing. At least right away we probably won’t see that. And while he’ll play mostly in his normal slot position, the Giants will probably try to carve out a role for him where he won’t be testing that knee on every play.
When a player is coming back from any injury they need to be eased back into their normal role. Victor Cruz will not only be eased back, but he’ll also kind of be eased into a new role. So, we may not see him on the field as often as we’re used to.
Next: Henry Hynoski