New York Giants

WATCH: Victor Cruz running routes, training as camp nears

Published Jul. 20, 2015 9:29 a.m. ET

foxsports

Can you feel it? There's a buzz around the New York Giants' team facility surrounding the inevitable return of Victor Cruz, and it's only going to get bigger when camp kicks off.

Cruz's recovery from a devastating torn patella tendon has gone much smoother than anticipated. He is ahead of schedule, and he recently posted a video to his Instagram account to show off his progress:

Cruz shows off his quickness in breaking into his route, and he hashtagged the video with #TheReturn is near. All signs point to Cruz's proclamation being correct. Cruz is on track to practice when the Giants open up camp.

However, when head coach Tom Coughlin spoke on the subject after the final spring practice, he confirmed that Cruz would not be a full go in practice right away. The Giants will ease Cruz back into the mix, and eventually they goal is to get him back in that rotation with the first team offense.

The Giants need Cruz to return to form more than ever after recent injuries to their best two linemen--Will Beatty and Jason Pierre-Paul. If he can return to form, Cruz will give Eli Manning another elite option in the passing game. Defenses will have trouble game planning to stop both he and Odell Beckham Jr. Cruz's potential return remains among the most pressing story surrounding the Giants this offseason.

(h/t Instagram)

Photo Credit: Steven Ryan/USA TODAY Sports