EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Victor Cruz's plans to return this weekend suffered a setback Wednesday when the New York Giants' wide receiver left practice early after aggravating his left calf injury.
Cruz's status for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills is now very much in doubt, and it could be several more weeks before he finally returns to game action.
Giants coach Tom Coughlin said after practice that Cruz tried to participate in individual drills but "he felt the calf again and that's all he did."
It was Cruz's first try at practicing with the team since Aug. 17, when he pulled his left calf muscle. That injury set back his efforts to return from the serious right knee injury that ended his 2014 season in Week 6.
Cruz's rehab from that injury, a torn right patellar tendon that was surgically repaired, was going well prior to the calf injury. But until he gets back on the field, the Giants won't know whether he'll make a full recovery and play at his prior level of performance.
After Wednesday, it appears they'll have to wait a while longer.
"It sucks, to say the least," Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle said. "I was hoping this would be the week, but Victor has to come back when he's ready."
Randle said Cruz appeared to be limping a bit while running routes in the early portion of practice and that he and some teammates had to try to talk him into taking it easy and backing off.
Cruz was not available for comment.
"Just got to go about our business," Giants quarterback Eli Manning said. "We have guys who've been playing and practicing, and we've got a job to do. My goal is to get the team ready, to get the guys who are practicing ready to go, and when Victor's out there, we'll try to get him ready as well."
The Giants worked out a couple of veteran wide receivers -- Wes Welker and former Giants first-round draft pick Hakeem Nicks -- as part of their regular Tuesday workouts this week but didn't sign either one. They have three wide receivers on their practice squad, and it's possible one could be promoted if the Giants fear Cruz is out for a while longer.
Other than Cruz, the Giants currently have four wide receivers on the roster -- Randle, Odell Beckham Jr., Geremy Davis and Dwayne Harris. Harris is also the team's primary punt returner and kick returner.