NFL

JPP and Cruz ‘full speed ahead’ for Giants

Tom Coughlin uttered a phrase Wednesday morning about Jason Pierre-Paul and Victor Cruz that is sure to make Giants fans smile as they consider Sunday night’s season opener against the Cowboys.

“Call it what you like, but they’re out there and they’re gonna practice,’’ Coughlin said. “There will be some ability to withhold perhaps from the full practice, but they are full speed ahead.’’

If indeed Pierre-Paul and Cruz are “full speed ahead,’’ it will greatly strengthen the Giants on both sides of the ball. There wasn’t much doubt that the slot receiver Cruz, returning from a bruised heel, would be available to play, but the defensive end Pierre-Paul is coming off back surgery and has been cryptic with his remarks about his availability to play in the opener.

“He’s had a few practices, he’s done well with that we’ve asked him to do,’’ Coughlin said of Pierre-Paul. “He’d like more. We’re gonna try to accommodate him.’’

Pierre-Paul and Cruz appeared on the Giants pre-practice report. Also on the list: C David Baas (knee), RB Andre Brown (leg), OT David Diehl (thumb), CB Jayron Hosley (ankle), FB Henry Hynoski (knee), DE Damontre Moore (shoulder), TE Adrien Robinson (foot).