Eli Manning is hoping the thaw in what has been an icy Victor Cruz contract negotiation comes next week, because the Giants are hitting the field and Manning wants one of his top receivers out there with him.
“I think hopefully we get into some real practices so hopefully as we get kind of into those live, going against a defense practices he’ll get back in so we can get back to work,’’ Manning said last night at a Guiding Eyes for the Blind event in White Plains.
The Giants on May 22 will hit the field for the first of 10 organized team activity practices, which will be the first real football action Cruz misses if his contract situation is not cleared up. The OTAs, though, are voluntary, unlike the June 11-13 mandatory veteran mini-camp that signals the end of the offseason preparation before training camp.
Last week, offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride expressed optimism a deal with Cruz will get done but, in the meantime, said he’s “looking forward’’ to seeing what another slot receiver, Jerrel Jernigan, can do with the increased workload.
“I think it’s about time that he steps up and I think we feel he has enough ability and he’s been here now long enough,’’ Gilbride said of Jernigan, who in two seasons has only three receptions for 22 yards.
“I know each year you’re going to need new guys to step up,’’ Manning said. “You’re going to lose some guys, something happens, you always want to be prepared. Hopefully Victor is back very soon and will play at a high level. Jerrel’s also got to be able to help us. He has speed, he has skills, been in the system now a number of years so hopefully he can step up and fill a role for us. The more talented guys you have on the team able to make plays for you the better off you’ll be.’’