New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz has been ruled out for the team's Week 16 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Victor Cruz out for Sunday’s game, safe to bench for fantasy owners
The hits keep coming for the Giants, who will be without their leading receiver in Week 16. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Cruz exited the team's recent game against the Seattle Seahawks with a concussion, and is also dealing with a sprained knee. Head coach Tom Coughlin conceded on Wednesday that Cruz's knee injury would have been enough to keep him out of action, but the concussion makes matters even murkier. It's not unreasonable to wonder whether the Giants shut him down completely considering their dashed playoff hopes.
Cruz has 67 receiving yards over his past two games, and has not found the end zone since Week 4.
Fantasy Spin: For fantasy owners playing for the championship in Week 16, Cruz likely was not a part of the formula that got them there. But if he was, it's now safe to drop him. Jerrel Jernigan will assume slot duties in the Giants' offense, but for owners in need of a deep sleeper, expect an uptick in chances for Rueben Randle. Randle makes for a WR3 or a desperate flex play, but the upside remains.
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