Manning, Cruz to skip Giants’ preseason opener

For the Giants, a new era begins as Ben McAdoo will coach his first National Football League game.

The Giants meanwhile poached one of Miami’s top players this offseason by bringing in Olivier Vernon and he will be leaned on heavily to contribute in the pass rush for NY this season as they battle with the Eagles, Cowboys, and Redskins for top spot in the NFC East.

The Dolphins released a list of players who won’t play in their preseason opener vs. the Giants Friday, and that list included a bunch of starters.

Receiver Victor Cruz, linebacker Keenan Robinson and defensive end Kerry Wynn will not play for the Giants because of groin injuries. LB J.T. Thomas (hamstring) and DT Jay Bromley (ankle) remain on PUP and will not play. All of the others are due to injuries; Manning is a coach’s decision.

Robinson missed practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, while Wynn was sidelined for Wednesday’s practice.

Backup quarterback Ryan Nassib will start and play the majority of the game. “And that starts tonight”, McAdoo added.

Behind Manning on the depth chart, Nassib has played in five games over his first three seasons, completing nine of his 10 pass attempts.

“For me being a quarterback, it’s a long time without live action where these guys are rushing for you, trying to sack you, so you have to move in the pocket, you have to feel the rush, buy some time, slide around”, Manning said. “We will also get Logan [Thomas] some work, as well”.

Manning will likely make his debut in the second preseason game at Buffalo next Saturday.