New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz has been out since August with a calf injury, and he got a second platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in his calf close to three weeks ago, according to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. Cruz is now set to start running routes Saturday, as he is feeling better since taking the second injection. While Cruz is working his way back on the field for the first time this season, Jacksonville wide receiver Allen Hurns is trying not to miss a game due to a foot injury, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk.
Hurns is "very confident" that he will play this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens, according to Jaguars reporter Ryan O'Halloran. Hurns is the teams' second leading receiver with 36 receptions for 635 yards this season. Hurns has scored six touchdowns this season and is one of quarterback Blake Bortles' favorite targets.
Hurns is coming off his biggest game of the season in which he caught eight passes for 122 yards. Hurns is in his second season in the NFL and is an impact player for the Jaguars. Although the Jaguars are 2-6 on the season, they are still alive for the playoffs in a weak AFC South. Hurns will likely be on the field Sunday barring a setback prior to the game.
While the Jaguars are hopeful that one of their impact players will be on the field this Sunday, the Giants are likely just hoping they get Cruz back this season. Cruz has been off the football field since last October when he tore patellar tendon in his right knee. While the knee is healthy, Cruz has been dealing with a calf injury all season.
The second injection really helped, and he could feel the difference after a couple days Cruz said, via NJ.com. "It really helps in advancing the healing process in whatever area you need it in. It helped me a lot."
Cruz has already suffered a setback dealing with this calf injury and is being cautious with the injury. "I think I'll play it a little bit safer," said Cruz. "If there is any pain, I'll shut it down. You don't want to wake up anything. If there is any soreness, we shut it down. We kind of make sure we're staying under the radar as the training staff likes to call it."
There is no specific timetable for Cruz's return, but the fact that he is going to be running routes is a good sign. The Giants face the undefeated New England Patriots this Sunday and are in first place in the NFC East. The Eagles are not far behind the Giants, and the addition of a healthy Cruz could have a huge impact down the stretch of this season.
