The New York Giants have Jason Pierre-Paul signed and his return could come as soon as Week 9 if the defensive end can show Tom Coughlin that he is ready to play. JPP is coming back from a hand injury, while Victor Cruz still does not have a return date set and this comes as Odell Beckham Jr. is healthy after dealing with a hamstring injury.
The Giants signed Pierre-Paul last week after a stalemate between the two sides following JPP's hand injury in a fireworks accident and now he could be close to getting on the field. Initial reports had Pierre-Paul likely returning after the bye week for the Giants, which comes after the team plays the Buccaneers and Patriots, but head coach Tom Coughlin hinted that it's possible he could return sooner. According to Pro Football Talk, Coughlin said that if Pierre-Paul "practices and continues to advance" this week, the team could make a decision about playing him on Sunday.
The Giants pass rush has not been consistent this season and the team would love to have Pierre-Paul on the field as part of the defensive line. JPP has a new contract with a number of incentives in it and he likely wants to get back on the field as well. Pro Football Talk reports that the Giants have a roster exemption for Pierre-Paul and the team could wait and see how he is in practice before making a decision on playing this weekend.
Victor Cruz was not active for Week 8 and a return date for the wide receiver still is not set for the Giants. According to ESPN.com, Cruz has "no timetable at all" on returning from his calf injury and there is a chance he may not suit up at all this season for the Giants. Cruz injured his knee last season and had surgery and he appeared ready to return in the preseason for the team, but then he suffered a calf injury and has not been able to get back on the field. Cruz was close to returning earlier in the season after his calf injury progressed, but the wide receiver re-aggravated the injury in practice and has not been able to return.
Beckham said to the media after the game last week that he is not 100 percent, but that he is not dealing with any limitations from the hamstring injury. Beckham was held out of practice at points earlier in the season, but this week he should be able to participate. Beckham has been putting up great numbers again this season and he comes in after one of his best games of the year against the Saints. The Giants lost the 52-49 shootout, but Beckham did his part, making eight catches for 130 yards and scoring three touchdowns while playing in his hometown.
Shane Vereen had a solid game for the Giants last week with eight catches for 60 yards and a touchdown and he also had three rushing yards. With Orleans Darkwa injured, Vereen could be a solid Flex or RB3 option for fantasy owners against the Buccaneers.