Pierre-Paul likely to return to field after hand injury
MIAMI — Jason Pierre-Paul, the New York Giants’ two-time Pro Bowl defensive end, is expected to be able to play this season after having his right index finger amputated Wednesday at a South Florida hospital, a person with knowledge of the procedure told the New York Times.
The amputation took place four days after Pierre-Paul injured both hands during a Fourth of July fireworks accident.
Giants officials, including trainer Ronnie Barnes, tried to visit Pierre-Paul at Jackson Memorial Hospital. But they got no farther than the waiting room, a team official said, and returned home Wednesday
There is precedent for an NFL player being able to compete successfully after a major injury to a finger. The San Francisco 49ers’ Ronnie Lott, whose left pinkie was severely damaged when he made a tackle, chose to have the tip of the finger amputated so he could return for the 1986 season. Lott led the league with 10 interceptions that season, the most in his career.
Pierre-Paul, a six-year veteran, is not technically a member of the Giants’ roster because the team designated him as a franchise player. He had not signed his one-year tender for $14.18 million because he hoped to reach a long-term agreement with the team by next Wednesday’s deadline.
A person close to the negotiations said the Giants did not have a longterm proposal for Pierre-Paul.
Because Pierre-Paul sustained a non-football injury, the Giants will not be obligated by the tender if it is determined he is unable to perform.