New York Giants

Injury Update: Giants Get Good News From Doctor's Office

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The injury update for the New York Giants (5-3) actually provided some good news. Offensive lineman Justin Pugh was not hurt as severely as first thought. Meanwhile, veteran receiver Victor Cruz may not miss any time with his injury. Big Blue needs both players down the stretch, as they seek an NFL playoff berth.

Injury Update: Justin Pugh

When a player gets rolled up on, it’s usually not good news. But offensive lineman Justin Pugh did not suffer a season-ending injury against the Philadelphia Eagles. “Justin Pugh, who has started every game this season, sprained his knee in the second quarter of the Giants’ 28-23 victory yesterday against the Philadelphia Eagles,” according to Giants.com on Nov. 7, 2016.

Canadian-import Brett Jones came in to spell Pugh and was praised by head coach Ben McAdoo afterwards, according to the New York Post on Nov. 7, 2016. “I thought Jonesie did a nice job when he went in there,’’ McAdoo said.

Jun 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker B.J. Goodson (93) rushes New York Giants center Brett Jones (69) during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Injury Update: Victor Cruz

One area that has depth on the team is the wide receiver position. In year’s past, losing Victor Cruz would be a fatal blow. But on Sunday before his injury, Cruz lost snaps to Roger Lewis. Lewis took 37 snaps against the Eagles, according to N.J. Advance Media on Nov. 7, 2016.

Cruz took 15 snaps before calling it a day, and Dwayne Harris saw the field for 16 plays. It is likely that Harris saw a bump in playing time due to the Cruz injury. Will Cruz miss significant time with the injury?

“Victor is going to get an MRI. He has one scheduled [for Monday],” McAdoo said as reported by N.J. Advance Media on Nov. 7, 2016. “We’ll know more after the MRI.”

Oct 12, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) with trainer Byron Hansen as he is carted off the field after an injury during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

In a worst case scenario, the Giants would likely insert Lewis as a starter. Having two rookie receiver starters would not be an optimal situation though. Would the coaching staff feel comfortable with two rookie receivers and rookie Jerrell Adams at tight end?

Taverres King was inactive on Sunday and takes Cruz’s Monday roster spot. King is not a rookie, but he is young. It seems any injury update with Cruz means the Giants better brace for growing pains on Monday.