Victor Cruz “envisions” playing in opener

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz left Sunday’s preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts with a foot injury. X-Rays on the injury, which was called a “bruised heel”  were negative.

According to Ebenezer Samuel of the New York Daily News, an MRI later showed “some blood in there,” but there is no tear.

Cruz is in a walking boot and is using crutches to walk, but still plants to play in the season opener, telling the NFL Network’s Kimberly Jones “once the swelling goes down, I think I’ll be OK.”

“Hopefully I can be ready before,” Cruz told Jones. “I do envision” playing against [the] Cowboys in opener.”

The injury is now being referred to as a “hell contusion.” Second-year pro Reuben Randle is expected to start in Cruz’s place in the last two preseason games.

After going undrafted in 2010, Cruz signed with the Giants and has developed into one of the better receivers in football. In 2011, he grabbed 82 balls for 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns. Last season, he caught 85 passes for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns despite drawing tougher matchups with Hakeem Nicks in and out of the lineup.

In the offseason, Cruz, a restricted free agent, signed a six-year, $45.8 million deal.