Victor Cruz says he's 100 percent; expected to play Saturday vs. Jags

After 314 days out of game action, New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz is expected to return to the field Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Cruz and general manager Jerry Reese both believe the veteran will play in his first game action since Oct. 12, 2014 when he tore his patellar tendon.

"I feel good. The knee is 100 percent," Cruz said in an interview with WFAN's Mike Fancesca on Monday. "(Sunday) was probably my most physically enduring practice, in terms of limitations ... I felt good. Woke up this morning, no injury, no pain, no swelling or anything. I feel like I've crossed that bridge."

Head coach Tom Coughlin has been cautious about easing Cruz back into the lineup, but seems confident in Cruz's ability to ramp up activities after working his way into full participation last week.

"We'll pick when he goes (in a preseason game)," Coughlin said, "but he's done everything. (Sunday) he did everything (in practice) ... he and Odell (Beckham Jr.) both had a full practice (Sunday), and both did well and both are back ready to go (Monday)."

Cruz had 337 receiving yards and one touchdown in six games last season before the injury. With Beckham now occupying the No. 1 receiver slot on the Giants' depth chart, Cruz's role will likely change. His preseason participation may be a suitable time for the Giants to work out any kinks in the receiving pecking order.