Cruz returns, looks to make Giants roster
A look at today’s preseason games
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.—Here’s a look at Saturday’s NFL preseason games.
VICTOR’S BACK
Giants at Jets
Victor Cruz has come full cycle against the Jets. The undrafted free agent from nearby Paterson, New Jersey, made the Giants as a free agent in 2010 in large part by catching six passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns in a preseason game against the Jets. By the following season, he was one of the NFL’s most dynamic receivers and would stay that way for three years.
A knee injury that limited him to six games in 2014 and a calf injury that wiped out last season have put his roster spot in jeopardy. The 29-year-old Cruz missed the first two preseason games with a groin injury and will make his preseason debut in Week 3. Of course, the Jets are the opponent.
“It’s the story of my life,” Cruz said. “You can’t write it any better than this. This is the way my career has gone. It’s the way my professional career has gone. The Jets preseason game has always been some type of landmark situation for me, so here we go again.”
Jets starters are expected to play at least the first half. Geno Smith remains the No. 2 QB behind Ryan Fitzpatrick despite Bryce Petty’s solid performance—16 of 26 for 242 yards and two touchdowns—in a loss to Washington last Friday night. Smith was 6 of 13 for 47 yards and an interception.
Running back Matt Forte (hamstring) could see his first game action for the Jets, along with defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, who’s coming off a broken leg suffered in the season finale against Buffalo.
LIMPING ALONG Kansas City at Chicago
Kansas City is banged up, and so is Chicago. Expect both teams to be missing some prominent players.
The Chiefs will be without several starters and backups, among them pass rusher Tamba Hali (knee), running backs Jamaal Charles (knee) and Charcandrick West (elbow), and linebacker Josh Mauga (groin). Kansas City is taking a slow approach working Hali, who returned to practice this week, and Charles back into the rotation.
A major concern for the Bears is right guard Kyle Long after the three-time Pro Bowl lineman hurt his shoulder at New England last week. Coach John Fox isn’t saying how much time Long will miss. Veteran Ted Larsen, who had taken over for the injured Hroniss Grasu at center, practiced at right guard this week, with Cornelius Edison at center.
HELPING HANDS Philadelphia at Indianapolis
The Colts are reaching out to the people of Kokomo, Indiana, which was hit by an EF3 tornado on Wednesday that had an estimated peak wind of 152 mph. The tornado traveled nearly 5 miles on the city’s south side, was about 300 yards wide and lasted 10 minutes.
The NFL team is providing tickets and concession vouchers to Saturday’s game for the Kokomo High School football team, including their family members and coaches. They will also be recognized on the field during pre-game ceremonies.
Colts quarterback Andrew Luck will play one half. The banged-up secondary will be without recently signed Antonio Cromartie.
Eagles coach Doug Pederson plans to play his starters into the second half.
FLAK ATTACK Detroit at Baltimore
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco will make his debut, playing around a half. It’s his first action since tearing the left ACL and MCL in a Nov. 22 win over the Rams. Linebacker Terrell Suggs could also make his 2016 debut after tearing his Achilles tendon in last year’s opener.
“It would be great not to get hit,” said Flacco, who has not been hit since the injury. “I don’t need to get hit. But if I do, it is not a bad thing.”
The Lions will take another close look at seventh-round pick Dwayne Washington, who leads the team in rushing and has returned a kickoff for a touchdown this preseason.