New York Giants

Victor Cruz defiant in face of critics who think he's washed up

Published Aug. 17, 2016 7:09 p.m. ET

foxsports

Victor Cruz knows what the critics think.

He's washed. Done as a play maker after appearing in just six games in 2014 and zero last year.

Cruz has just two words for the doubters:

"Tune in," he said Wednesday.

When, is the question. The New York Giants receiver has yet to make his preseason debut, and after participating in training camp, Cruz has been held out of practice due to a groin injury.

The reports out of East Rutherford on Victor Cruz are very discouraging. Such a shame. https://t.co/J6Q4DyJqUF
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) August 15, 2016

But at 29, he says he's far from finished.

"I feel good," he told reporters Wednesday.

The Giants don't seem to, though. GM Jerry Reese has said he wants to see Cruz play in at least two preseason games, and Cruz's shot at making the 53-man roster could hinge on it.

"I am a normal human being, so I think about that stuff, but all I can do is take care of what I can take care of," said Cruz, who had 241 catches for 3,626 yards and 23 touchdowns between 2011-13.

The end for Cruz may come but it's too soon to forecast it, and what's more, the Giants need him — especially Odell Beckham Jr., writes Paul Schwartz of the New York Post.

For now, Cruz is staying upbeat and shaking off the doubters.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.