Victor Cruz Injury: Updates on Giants Star's Ankle and Return

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz suffered an ankle injury in Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles. His official playing status for Week 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals has yet to be announced.

Continue for updates.

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Cruz Comments on Playing Status

Thursday, Nov. 10

"I'm optimistic I will be able to play Monday," Cruz said, per ESPN's Josina Anderson, who added while there is no swelling, his ankle remains sore. 

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Latest on Cruz's Practice Status

Thursday, Nov. 10

Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reported Cruz did not take part in Thursday's practice. Ralph Vacchiano of SNY noted his status for Friday's practice remains unclear. 

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Cruz Comments on Timeline for Return

Tuesday, Nov. 8

Cruz told WFAN's Mike Francesa he could miss Week 10 with a low-grade ankle sprain but doesn't expect to miss more time than that, per James Kratch of NJ Advance Media.

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Cruz's Diagnosis Revealed

Monday, Nov. 7

Art Stapleton of the Record reported Cruz's MRI "checked out OK" and that Cruz has a low ankle sprain as initially thought. "Should be fine, back soon," Stapleton added.

On Nov. 6, Stapleton reported Cruz's X-rays were negative, adding he was told the receiver is not in a walking boot.

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Cruz Once Again Dealing with Injury Bug

Any setback is concerning for Cruz, considering he missed the entire 2015 season with a calf injury and tore his patellar tendon in his knee in Week 6 of 2014. He also dealt with a groin injury during the preseason that forced him to miss some time.

Cruz hasn’t played a full 16-game schedule since the 2012 season.

When healthy, he is a dangerous playmaker who can thrive in the slot or on the outside. The 2012 Pro Bowler combined for 3,626 receiving yards and 23 touchdown catches from 2011 to 2013 as one of the elite receivers in the league before health problems prevented him from being the No. 1 option in recent years.

Fortunately for the Giants, they still have Odell Beckham Jr. as arguably the top receiver in football. Eli Manning’s primary target topped 1,300 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons and tallied a combined 25 touchdown catches in those two campaigns.

New York can also turn to second-round draft pick Sterling Shepard after he posted 1,288 receiving yards and 11 touchdown catches last year for the Oklahoma Sooners. It also has Dwayne Harris as a playmaker who could see additional opportunities with Cruz's setback.

Still, Giants fans haven't gotten the chance to see Cruz and Beckham together for a full season because of injuries. Losing Cruz again would limit the offense as it attempts to challenge for a postseason spot out of the NFC East.