NFL training camp brought about a number of injuries very quickly this year. This year ACL injuries have run rampant in camp as well as concussions. Some players like Melvin Ingram and Michael Crabtree could be done for the year, while others are expected to make their return by Week 1.
Giants fans got nervous after Victor Cruz was spotted in a walking boot and not active in preseason games. The wide receiver is coming off an offseason where he signed a nice contract extension to set him up for a few years. After two strong seasons with the Giants, the team needs him healthy at the start of the year.
Cruz is officially off crutches after injuring his heel two weeks ago. He has ditched the walking boot and is making a push in his rehab in order to be healthy by the start of the season. Head coach Tom Coughlin told reporters that Cruz is well on track to being ready by Week 1 and has not suffered any setbacks so far.
Wide receiver Danny Amendola is another player desperately needed for Week 1. The New England Patriots do not have an overly impressive core group of wide receivers this season so Tom Brady is ready to get his new top target back on the field. The wide receiver had been suffering a few knee and ankle problems and was listed as day-to-day. He was held out of practice last week and the team's preseason game, but has made his concern.
Amendola told media that he is not concerned about the missed time hurting his chemistry with Tom Brady. The new offensive weapon has been working overtime to build timing with his new quarterback in order to help the team immediately. Amendola said the two have gotten in great reps in practice and things were getting much better.
While Cruz and Amendola are looking healthy for Week 1, safety Ed Reed is another story. The former Baltimore Raven signed with the Houston Texans in the offseason and then promptly had hip surgery. Reed has yet to step onto the field with his new teammates, but Houston coaches have remained confident that the safety would be ready come September 9. Now, Gary Kubiak is not so sure.
"I think we're going to really have a good idea when we come out of this week," Kubiak said. "He is in Vail today getting some injections and spending time with his surgeon. I think there's one more trip planned to Atlanta here on Tuesday, something like that this week. As we work to Dallas, we're going to have him do that."
The Texans are certainly hoping Reed can get healthy enough to start playing right away. He will not miss a huge chunk of the season, but is uncertain for the first kickoff.
