New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz is aiming to return to the field in week 12 against the Washington Redskins, according to Giants reporter Ralph Vacchiano.
"It's just a matter of continuing to pick it up day in and day out. But if I had to pick a time, it would be any week in terms of that regard. But if I had to pick a time, and after the bye obviously looks like a promising date, but obviously the doctors haven't told me that, no one said that to me. We're just, like I said, taking it one day at a time," said Cruz, via the New York Daily News. "I'd be wrong to sit here and tell you that I've got plenty of time because it's week nine in the season and I missed a good chunk of time already. So I just want to get out there and be 100 percent and play."
Cruz suffered a setback last month returning to practice. The Giants wide receiver has been dealing with a left calf strain all season, and the Giants could use their top slot receiver on the field. Cruz said that he feels the platelet-rich plasma injection he received last month and that it's helping speed up the recovery process. Cruz stated that his MRI results were clean, and that he will definitely return to the field this season.
While Cruz looks to be aiming for his return by week 12, defensive end Owa Odighizuwa has been placed on injured reserved/designated to for return. The third-round draft pick is dealing with a hamstring issue and was drafted to help the Giants pass rush. Odighizuwa has seen limited action this season, and the Giants are likely trying to get him healthy before the end of the year. The NFC East is a tight race, as the Giants are only a half game in first place. Odighizuwa is eligible to return to practice on Dec. 17 and to the roster Dec. 31. That means the Giants young pass rusher will only be able to play in the Giants final game against NFC East rival the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Giants are looking to get healthy down the stretch of this season, and the return of Cruz could make a major impact on their offense. The Giants play the Buccaneers this Sunday, and they need a win to keep control of the NFC East.
