EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Playing the Philadelphia Eagles always had a special meaning for Victor Cruz. This year, even more so.The last time Cruz faced the Eagles was Oct. 12, 2014, and it almost cost the New York Giants receiver his career.During the third quarter of the sixth game of that season, Cruz jumped in the end zone to catch a pass and tore the patellar tendon in his right knee. It was ugly and Cruz knew it right away. He cried.Surgery and rehabilitation followed, and so did disappointment. The popular former free agent from nearby Paterson, New Jersey missed the following season with a calf injury that also required surgery.Many doubted Cruz would make it back this year, especially when he had a groin problem in training camp. The 29-year-old beat the odds: He has played in every game, catching 24 passes for 334 yards and a touchdown, the winner in the season opener against Dallas, the Cowboys only loss.Cruz gave a coy smile when asked if this game against Philadelphia meant more than a meeting of two teams with 4-3 records trying to get to the playoffs.In the back of my mind I think about it, Cruz said Wednesday after practice. Its a different circumstance, a different year. But definitely, Id be lying if I didnt say it is in my mind.Cruz is more willing to talk about this season.I feel really good about where I am right now, he said. I feel good about what I have done so far within this year, and I just want to continue to build on that. I need to go upward and not the other way around.Cruz is no longer the Giants main target. Odell Beckham Jr., who didnt get a chance to play with No. 80 until this season, remains Eli Mannings primary target. He is the big play threat with 40 catches for 630 yards (15.8 yards) and three touchdowns.Rookie Sterling Shepard also has more catches than Cruz with 31 for 334 yards and two touchdowns. Cruz (13.8) is averaging more yards than Shepard (10.8)Cruz thinks there is room for him to improve.I have not had a 100-yard game yet, Cruz said. I have not had a seven-or-eight catch game yet. I just want to continue and take what is there for me. But I definitely feel like there is some play out there for me to have.Cruz even thinks fans will be able to see the play-making version of the receiver who used to excite fans with his salsas after touchdowns catches.Hes still there, Cruz said, referring to himself in the third person. Its a matter of getting him in space and getting him the ball for him to be himself. I think we are going to do that in these upcoming weeks.The first thing for the Giants though, is to find a way to beat the Eagles, who have won five of the last six and 13 of 17 since 2008.Coming off the bye, Cruz said the Giants cant afford to be sluggish.Its a division game so we understand the level of execution, but against Philadelphia, its always going to be physical, he said. It is always going to be a game where you are going to leave that football game exhausted mentally, physically, emotionally. You are just going to be spent. You want to make sure when that clock strikes zero you are on the winning end. This rivalry, this game is always one that takes it all out of you.Game notes Backup QB Ryan Nassib was on the injury report with an elbow problem. He said its something that has developed over time. He expects to be available Sunday. ... Beckham said his hip bothered him so much in warmups in London on Oct. 23, he almost didnt play in the win over the Rams. ... S Nat Berhe has been in the concussion protocol since Sept. 25. He could not have contract in practice Wednesday. ... Every Giant practiced to some extent Wednesday. ... DE Olivier Vernon (wrist) was finally taken off the injury report.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFLCharley Taylor Jersey . In Europe, top teams seem to be largely happy with their squads after spending nearly $1 billion in the off-season. And although English league clubs are unlikely to splash cash in January, Arsenal and Chelsea could be tempted to strengthen their squads with new strikers. Doug Williams Jersey . Jason Zucker and Matt Cooke also scored for Minnesota, which has won five of six. Kuemper made five saves in the first, nine in the second, and nine in the third. The rookies best save came with 2:17 left in the third period when he denied former Wild forward Matt Cullen from just outside of the crease on the right side. https://www.redskinssportsgoods.com/Womens-Charles-Mann-Inverted-Jersey/ . Breaking three of his own world records on his way to winning in Paris, Chan silenced the critics and left the audiences standing in appreciation and awe. Alex Smith Youth Jersey . Dusautoir, the former World Player of the Year, sustained a torn bicep playing for Toulouse in the Heineken Cup on Saturday. The flanker, who has played 65 times for France, is expected to be out for up to four months. Sam Huff Jersey . Most important, perhaps, it went off without a hitch. Organizers poked a little fun at the now-infamous opening ceremony gaffe that saw only four out of five snowflakes open up into rings, leaving the Olympics logo one ring short. DELAND, Fla. -- Freshman Kaelon Harris scored a career-high 26 points off the bench-including four free throws in the final six seconds-and The Citadel beat Stetson 116-112 on Friday night.Quayson Williams and reserve Brian White had 23 points apiece for the Bulldogs (3-1). The Citadel led 59-49 at the half and by 16 midway through the second half.Derick Newton had 18 of his 23 points in the second half when the Hatters shot 58 percent to get back in the game. Down 96-80 with 7:22 left, B.J. Glasfordds tip-in at 4:09 pulled Stetson within five.dddddddddddduke Foyles 3 with 1:22 left made it 105-104, but Matt Frierson answered with a 3 and the Bulldogs made all eight of their free throws in the last 32 seconds.The Bulldogs made 18 3s with Williams and White making five apiece. They were 16 of 20 from the line in the second half.Divine Myles added 21 points for Stetson. ' ' '