Report: Pierre-Paul missing tip of thumb, had surgery on middle finger
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is missing the tip of his thumb in addition to his right hand's entire index finger, reports ESPN's Dan Graziano.
Pierre-Paul also underwent surgery to repair his middle finger last week, according to the report.
The Giants examined Pierre-Paul's hand three days after the surgery, and many in the organization do not expect him to return this season. The Giants don't plan on meeting with the defensive end for another five to six weeks, reports Graziano. Depending on Pierre-Paul's progress at that point, New York could rescind his $14.813 million franchise tender.
New York offered to pay Pierre-Paul a partial salary and place him on the non-football injury list before the 53-man roster cut so he could rehab with the team, reports ESPN's Ed Werder. Pierre-Paul declined, however, in part because he believes he could return sooner than Week 6—the mandatory wait period for a player placed on the NFI list during the preseason.
If Pierre-Paul is placed on the NFI list now, he would be out for the season. Pierre-Paul must sign by Nov. 17 in order to play in 2015.
• Pierre-Paul's perplexing case continues to loom over Giants
Pierre-Paul had his right index finger amputated in July after he sustained an injury to his hand in a fireworks accident.
Pierre-Paul had planned to return to the team with the possibility of playing early in the season and is still hopeful that his healing process will be shorter than the Giants anticipate. However, despite his good physical condition and positive outlook, the Giants sent Pierre-Paul back home to Florida following the examination.
- Xandria James
