Victor Cruz Injury Update: New York Giants WR Likely to Miss Week 1

The New York Giants are heading into a 2015 NFL season that is expected to be an improved year from last season. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that Victor Cruz will be able to play in the Giants' Week 1 game against their division rival Dallas Cowboys as the WR continues to recover from his nasty knee injury last year. He will be back on-the-field at some point this year, but it appears that he isn't quite ready to play a full contact game just yet.

It is very disappointing news for the Giants, who were hoping that they could have their offense at full health for the Cowboys. Cruz is expected to be a huge part of their offense when he gets back on the field and will be a big piece for them to help take pressure off of Odell Beckham Jr.

During the 2014 season with the Giants, Cruz was only able to play in six regular season games. He caught 23 passes for 337 yards and a touchdown in those six games. Obviously, he is one of Eli Manning's favorite targets, and is expected to come back with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove this year.

Cruz needs to focus on getting back to 100 percent before even considering getting back into the action.

New York can't afford to rush him back and have him go down with another injury because he wasn't ready. It is better to take some time and be without him for the first week or two of the year.

At 28 years old, Cruz is still in the prime of his career and will make a major impact for the Giants whenever he comes back from his injury. He combines above average speed to go along with an impressive pair of hands and route-running ability. Being able to play alongside of Beckham Jr. would give Manning and the Giants' offense two legitimate number one receivers at the same time.

All of that being said, it will be interesting to see when Cruz is able to return to the field. He is a hard worker and wants to return as soon as possible, but it is better to play it safe than be sorry about coming back too quickly and missing another long chunk of time.

Expect to see him back on the field early on during the season, but he will miss a little bit of time as he gets back to 100 percent.