Giants' Victor Cruz Still Battling Groin Injury

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — There seems to be growing concern about the status of oft-injured New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz.

The 29-year-old, who missed all of last season with a calf injury and has played in just six games over the past two, missed practice Monday because of a groin injury.

Cruz was injured last week and did not play in the preseason opener Friday. He took part in individual drills Sunday and watched practice Monday.

The Giants have off Tuesday, and coach Ben McAdoo said it was too early to say whether Cruz would be ready for Saturday's game in Buffalo against the Bills.

"We hold out hope," McAdoo told WFAN's Mike Francesa on Monday. "We never say never. And you don't ever want to put a time limit on it. You don't want to handcuff yourself because you never know when he may wake up feeling over this groin and go out and produce the way he's capable of producing."

LISTEN: McAdoo, Reese, Mara, Manning, Beckham, Vernon Discuss Upcoming Giants Season On WFAN

Cruz came to training camp and was a full go from the start. The team cut back on some of his work in the second week of camp.

Cruz was not available for comment Monday.

McAdoo said he spoke with Cruz on Sunday afternoon about his situation. He insisted the discussion was not necessary, adding that he remains 100 percent behind the player.

"We talked about some different things that may be able to help moving forward, and I'll let him share that," the first-year head coach said. "I'm not going to share that. I'll keep our conversation private."

NOTES: TE Larry Donnell left practice after becoming dehydrated following wind sprints late in the workout. ... DT Damon "Snacks" Harrison and G Justin Pugh had a brief scuffle at Monday's practice. It was quickly broken up by the players. "I like the intensity," McAdoo said. "I don't like to see guys taking swings at each other. I'm not sure if they did or not, but that reflects a lack of discipline." ... CB Michael Hunter intercepted a pass by Ryan Nassib in the two-minute drill. ... First-round draft pick Eli Apple (knee) did not practice, while second-round choice Sterling Shepard (groin) did not take part in team drills.