JPP Facing 6-Week Recovery From Broken Thumb, Finger Amputation
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has been told to expect a six-week recovery period after sustaining serious injuries in a July 4 fireworks accident, according to WFAN and NFL Media's Kim Jones.
"To me, that sounds like a best-case scenario," Jones said Thursday morning on WFAN.
ESPN's Adam Schefter was first to report that Pierre-Paul had his right index finger amputated on Wednesday. The procedure could hasten his return, and it seems there's a chance the two-time Pro Bowler will be ready for the season opener Sept. 13 in Dallas.
According to Jones, Pierre-Paul's biggest hurdle will be a broken thumb, not the amputated finger.
The status of the 26-year-old has been shrouded in secrecy since news of his injuries broke on Sunday. The Giants have been tight-lipped and failed to get medical clarity during an attempt to visit Pierre-Paul in Florida.
JPP Facing 6-Week Recovery From Broken Thumb, Finger Amputation
According to multiple reports, team officials came and went without being allowed into JPP's hospital room. Then they apparently found out Wednesday night on Twitter that his finger had been amputated. Until Schefter's tweet, the Giants had "no idea" Pierre-Paul was going to lose the digit, the New York Daily News reported.
"This is just a bump in a road that I am sure he will hurdle in no time," former teammate Antrel Rolle wrote on Instagram. "You already know I got your back no matter what just like you have always had mine."
Pierre-Paul is currently not under contract for the 2015 season, having not yet signed his $14.8 million franchise tender. The Giants can rescind that offer, which would make the sixth-year pro a free agent.
After the injury, the team withdrew a long-term contract offer worth $60 million, which Pierre-Paul was likely to turn down, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported earlier this week.
Pierre-Paul has 42 career sacks, including 12.5 in 2014.
Schefter was criticized for his reporting of Pierre-Paul's amputation after tweeting an image of the player's medical records.
