Victor Cruz Returns To Giants Practice Field

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Victor Cruz made his long-awaited return to the Giants' practice field Tuesday, participating on the first day of the team's mandatory minicamp.

Cruz was seen running routes at full speed and catching passes with the other receivers, according to multiple reports. He also caught a punt. He, however, sat out the team portion of practice.

It's believed to be the most work Cruz has done in practice since he tore a calf muscle last training camp. He was greeted Tuesday by teammates joking, "Who's the new guy?"

Cruz, 29, hasn't played in a game since tearing his patellar tendon in October 2014.

"We're right at that turning point," Cruz told reporters after practice Tuesday. "I felt good."

He said he hopes to be "full go" for the start of training camp in late July.

Coach Ben McAdoo called Cruz's participation "another small step."

The Giants certainly could use a healthy Cruz this season, especially. They have one of the league's best wide receivers in Odell Beckham Jr., but are fairly thin at the position. Big Blue spent a second-round draft pick in April on former Oklahoma wideout Sterling Shepard. The Giants also return Dwayne Harris, who caught 36 passes for 396 yards last season.

Cruz agreed in March to a one-year contract that saw his salary slashed from $7.9 million to $1.3 million.