Victor cruising back to ’11 self

Victor Cruz is turning back the clock. The Giants wide receiver practiced fully on Wednesday for the second straight day after missing two weeks of training camp because of a groin injury. The team remains cautiously optimistic Cruz — who hasn’t seen game action since October of 2014 — will play in Saturday’s preseason dress rehearsal against the Jets.

In the meantime, Cruz has been showing out on the practice field, giving Giants coaches glimpses of his old Pro Bowl self.

“There were a couple clips yesterday that jumped out,” offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan said Wednesday. “His release versus press, there was the suddenness, the explosiveness, the things that have, in my mind, visions of 2011 in terms of that type of quickness. So obviously that’s something to be excited about.”

Sullivan backtracked later, saying he doesn’t want to “put too much pressure” on Cruz. But fans, teammates and coaches can’t wait to finally watch Cruz suit up and play on game day.

“Listen, I’m human just like y’all. I want to see too,” running back Rashad Jennings told reporters. “That’s my teammate. That’s somebody who’s explosive, who changes the game and is going to be a big part of this offense and the team. So of course we want him out there.”

Eli Manning targeted Cruz early and often Wednesday, connecting with the receiver three times in the opening 11on-11 series for the first-team offense. Sullivan also noted a “really nice” red-zone catch Cruz made that turned some heads.

“He had a lot of work,” Sullivan said of Cruz’s last two days of practice. “Obviously, (our) fingers are crossed. He had two solid days. And we’re hoping for the best.”

YOU GOT MY BACK?

In an ESPN the Magazine story published Tuesday, Washington cornerback Josh Norman said NFL players will have “a hit out on” Odell Beckham Jr. this season because of the Giants receiver’s on-field antics.

Jennings was asked Wednesday if he felt any responsibility to defend Beckham if such a situation arises.

“Between the whistles?” Jennings said, before a reporter clarified that he meant activity after the whistle. “Well, the league will take care of that.”

What about within the whistles?

“Well that’s playing football,” Jennings said. “They’re going to be after me just as well as anybody with a football in their hands. So everything else is just for click bait.”

SAFETY’S FREE

With rookie safety and presumed starter Darian Thompson sidelined because of a shoulder injury, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said Wednesday that Nat Berhe, Cooper Taylor and Andrew Adams are all vying for the vacant spot at free safety.

If Thompson doesn’t return for Week 1, Spagnuolo said he doesn’t yet know who would start in his place.

“It’s in flux right now until we can get it settled,” Spagnuolo said of the position. “That’s just where it’s at. We’ll find out in these next two games.”

Spagnuolo also said the middle linebacker position battle between Jasper Brinkley and Kelvin Sheppard is “still neck and neck.”

INJURY REPORT

Left guard Justin Pugh (shoulder) was limited in practice Wednesday and didn’t participate in 11-on-11 drills. Bobby Hart got the reps with the first-team offensive line. Larry Donnell left practice early with an undisclosed injury. Tight ends Matt LaCosse (knee) and Will Johnson (burner) and safety Mykkele Thompson (concussion) did not practice