NY Giants Injury Update: Victor Cruz is ‘80 percent there’

The New York Giants are expecting a completely healthy Victor Cruz by the start of the season. The wide receiver, who suffered a right knee injury during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles this past October, has started cutting and running routes.

"I'm about 80 percent there. I think it's just a matter of continuing to build the strength for the last leg of it," Cruz said to the New York Post after the team's first OTA practice. "I've been running some routes for about two weeks now, and there's been no pain, no swelling or anything like that, which are all good signs."

After running his drills, Cruz watched his teammates while icing his knee. Cruz was diagnosed with a torn patellar tendon and underwent surgery to repair it.

"Yeah, I am itching," Cruz said. "I can't lie. I am itching. I am running routes and feeling good, but I know there is still a process, and I am still a little ways away in terms of strength-wise and things like that. It feels good and watching those guys run routes and catch balls. I am definitely itching to get back out there."

"It's good to see his progress these last months,'' quarterback Eli Manning said. "Seeing him out there cutting, running routes, doing drills is always good. Hopefully, he'll continue to get stronger and stronger so he can be back for the start of the season.''

Cruz had 23 catches for 337 yards and one touchdown in six games last year before his season-ending injury.