The NY Giants still do not have a return date set for Victor Cruz, but Odell Beckham is coming into Week 8 healthy after dealing with a hamstring injury. Jason Pierre-Paul has signed a contract and has returned to the team, while Orleans Darkwa has emerged as a fantasy start option at running back with Rashad Jennings.
The Giants are hoping that Cruz can return at some point this season, but he has not official date set to come back. Cruz has been dealing with a calf injury and according to the New York Daily News, the wide receiver has been ruled out for this week against the New Orleans Saints. Tom Coughlin said on Wednesday that the team doesn't have a timetable for Cruz to return. Cruz injured his knee last season against the Eagles and has not played a regular season game since.
The Giants have Jason Pierre-Paul back in the fold and it comes after a long stalemate between the team and the defensive end over his contract. Pierre-Paul injured his hand in a fireworks accident and the two sides had been working to get an agreement done to have the defensive end return this season. According to NFL.com, JPP has officially signed his contract and it is for a one year deal. Pierre-Paul had a $14.8 million tender offer coming into the season and this likely will be more of an incentive deal.
Pierre-Paul is now back, but there is no set return date for the defensive end to take the field. According to Pro Football Talk, Pierre-Paul may return after the Giants have a bye week which will come after the team plays against the Patriots in Week 10. Initial reports about JPP had the Patriots game as a potential option, but it's more likely that his return comes after the bye. The game that Pierre-Paul could return for is the Redskins at the end of November.
Pierre-Paul comes into the season after putting up 12.5 sacks last year and that was the second highest total of his career. The Giants have just nine sacks this season and they have not been able to generate much of a pass rush. Getting JPP back in any capacity, even limited, should help with that. Coughlin said that JPP will use his injured hand "like a club" and that could help him as he comes back from the injury.
Fantasy owners of Beckham should feel confident in starting him this week, as he was a full participant in practice, while the Giants have another solid option at running back in Orleans Darkwa. Darkwa was part of the game plan for the Giants last week in the win over the Cowboys and he had 48 yards rushing and looked good while getting snaps ahead of Jennings and Andre Williams. According to the Newark Star-Ledger, Darkwa could get more playing time going forward to help get the rushing game going and he could be a solid fantasy starter for Week 8.
