The New York Giants are getting back Victor Cruz in Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills and he will join Odell Beckham and Rueben Randle as the top offensive targets for Eli Manning. The Giants are reportedly working out Wes Welker, Hakeem Nicks and former Redskins tight end Chris Cooley this week as potential depth options.
The Giants are coming off of their first win of the season on Thursday night football and now they will get Buffalo on Sunday. According to Pro Football Talk, Cruz is making his debut after being out with a calf injury and it comes after he missed 10 games last season after injuring his knee. Cruz had serious surgery last year and was making strong progress before suffering a calf injury ahead of the preseason game against the Bengals.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Giants have brought in Hakeem Nicks and Wes Welker for workouts on Tuesday. The Giants are looking for more depth at the position after getting rid of Preston Parker, who had five drops over the first two games of the season. Welker has been on the free agent market with little interest all season, while Nicks was cut by the Titans before the season started.
Nicks is a former Giant and he could be a solid option behind Cruz, Odell Beckham and Rueben Randle after he disappointed the final two years in New York. Josina Anderson at ESPN reported the news initially and she writes that the workouts are "per their regular kick the tires Tuesday." Nicks previously worked out for the Cowboys and he comes in after making 38 catches last season for the Colts. Nicks had back to back years with 75 catches and 1000 yards with the Giants, but his final two seasons were marred with injuries and inconsistent play.
The Giants are reportedly bringing in Chris Cooley for a workout, as NJ.com reports that the former Washington Redskins tight end will have a try out. Cooley reportedly was trying to make a comeback earlier in the summer and NJ.com reports that the team is looking for another backup tight end with Jerome Cunningham dealing with a knee injury. The Giants have Larry Donnell and Daniel Fells as the other tight ends on the roster. Cooley has not played in the NFL for a few years and is 33-years-old.
Cruz returned to practice with the Giants on Monday and that is a good sign for him getting on the field Sunday as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks. Cruz could have a limited snap count for the Giants because of the knee injury and fantasy owners should keep an eye on that for his first game back. Last season Cruz had 23 catches in six games before being injured against the Eagles and the Giants are hoping he can stay healthy for the rest of the season.
Check here for more on the Giants, Cruz and Cooley along with Nicks and Welker.
