The NY Giants are hoping that Victor Cruz is healthy for Week 1 of the season after dealing with a calf injury and if he can't play, it will make Odell Beckham Jr. and Rueben Randle the top starters for Eli Manning. The running game should be much improved and fantasy owners should watch how Shane Vereen, Andre Williams and Rashad Jennings split carries early in the season.
The Giants are coming off of a losing season, but the team has high expectations for their offense after the way they played down the stretch in 2014. The defense still needs major work and the team has dealt with serious injuries on that side of the ball, but there is optimism on offense. Beckham has emerged as a star and Eli Manning is coming in after having one of his best career seasons following the hiring of Ben McAdoo at offensive coordinator. JPP has also come in to take a physical after being away with his injury all summer.
The return of Cruz is one of the most important aspects of the season for the Giants, as he is coming off of serious knee surgery and the team doesn't know if he will ever be the same player. Cruz has had a good rehab and everything is on schedule with the knee, but according to the New York Daily News, Cruz is being hampered by a calf issue and that has kept him from practicing. Cruz was going to play in the preseason to get some reps after playing in just six games last season, but the calf has kept him out.
Cruz spoke with Steve Serby of the New York Post and said that he is feeling good and is confident in his knee, but that calves can "be tricky." Cruz and the Giants are taking a cautious approach, as the team does not want Cruz to have a setback or deal with another knee injury. The Giants are anticipating having Cruz and Beckham on the field together this season, as they only played 60 snaps together last year.
Beckham dealt with a hamstring issue through the summer and missed four games and by the time he was able to play, Cruz was nearing his injury against the Eagles. This year the Giants want both players on the field healthy along with Rueben Randle, who has been dealing with issues of his own. According to Pro Football Talk, Randle has been dealing with knee tendinitis, but he is expected to be ready for the start of the season. Serby writes that Randle will be asked to take the "heat off Beckham" against defenses and if he can stay healthy, having Cruz come back slowly should not be too bad for the Giants.
The Giants rushing attack should be much improved with the addition of Shane Vereen. Vereen will be a great option in PPR leagues after putting up 52 catches last season and he also rushed for a career best 391 yards for the Patriots. Andre Williams got experience last season with Rashad Jennings injured and now the Giants are three deep at the position and could be much more consistent rushing the ball.
Check here for more on Cruz and his status.
