The New York Giants have been without Victor Cruz for the past two weeks since the wide receiver suffered his heel injury during the Indianapolis Colts. While he's been ruled out for the remainder of the preseason, Cruz is hopeful that he'll be able to rejoin the Giants' starting lineup in time for their Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, according to Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger.

Cruz took another step toward his return yesterday as he was able to shed the crutches and walking boot he had been sporting since suffering the injury.

For his part, head coach Tom Coughlin is remaining cautious when it comes to Cruz's return. While Coughlin admits that Cruz has shown improvement, he also noted that the wide receiver isn't expected to return immediately now that he's shed his boot and crutches.

"From my understanding he's getting better but it's certainly not tomorrow morning," Coughlin said.

Orr notes that the only thing that should stand in Cruz's way from starting the regular season healthy would be a setback related to his ailing heel. To this point, Cruz's recovery has gone smoothly and as planned, and New York is hoping to stays this course leading up to the opener.

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