ALBANY — The Giants broke training camp yesterday with a light jog-through, having uncovered an unknown player in receiver Victor Cruz, a Paterson, N.J., native who might stick on the roster based largely on his work here.
Cruz will be given an expanded role in tonight’s preseason game against the Steelers. He’ll be given a look as a punt and kickoff returner. Cruz had three second-half touchdown catches in the preseason-opening victory over the Jets.
“When we saw him in the spring, we said, ‘Here is a guy who has pretty good quicks, and he looks strong, so he can get in and out of breaks.’ I think he’ll be able to give us a look,” offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said. “Once camp came, we knew we were right in that assessment. He kept running by our defensive backs, no matter who it was. We thought, was he really that fast? We’re not sure, but every day he is getting by somebody.
“But then you say, ‘How will he do in the game?’ He made some great plays, and so now you’re hoping that he continues to show what he showed on Monday night.”
*
Eli Manning did not attend the final jog-through. He was at the Hopsital for Special Surgery getting the 12 stitches in his forehead checked out. Manning will not play in tonight’s preseason game, but is likely to return to practice next week. In his place, and with backup Jim Sorgi out 2-3 weeks with a shoulder injury, Rhett Bomar will take virtually all the snaps vs. the Steelers.
*
Officially out for tonight’s game: Starting guards Rich Seubert and Chris Snee, receiver Ramses Barden and safety Michael Johnson. Tight ends Kevin Boss and Travis Beckum will make their preseason debuts.
*
To make room on their roster for offensive lineman Shawn Andrews, the Giants waived offensive lineman Cliff Louis. Seubert has been able to practice wearing a wrap to protect his broken left hand. “They let him practice, but let’s face it, he never really stuck it in there and did anything that would cause him to do any further damage,” coach Tom Coughlin said. “He’s got a couple of weeks. I think perhaps he can go next week.”