Despite the fact that several reports, including one from former NFL player Shawne Merriman, have come out in the past few hours suggesting that New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul didn't suffer any major damage and would likely be "fine," it seems the most plugged in man in the NFL world is hearing otherwise.
According to a recent report from Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Giants are legimately concerned over JPP's status for the coming season.
"There's concern Jason Pierre-Paul could miss training camp, start of regular season, per team source; team still awaiting more medical info," Schefter tweeted.
HNGN passed along a report early Monday that Schefter contributed to which suggested that, while Pierre-Paul had suffered "severe burns" and some possible nerve damage, he was not facing the prospect of disfigurement and the issue was unlikely to result in any hindrance to his long-term career prospects.
It was then reported that the Giants, concerned over the decision-making that led to the fireworks injury, had rescinded the offer of a long-term, $60 million contract extension for the mammoth defensive end.
If the team, as Schefter now suggests, really is concerned that Pierre-Paul may not only not be ready for training camp, but also the beginning of the regular season, that will throw a significant wrench into the team's planning for 2015.
Pierre-Paul, despite failing to provide the same kind of impact that he showed during a phenomenal sophomore season when he broke out for 16.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 86 tackles, was able to at least partially reacquire that form last year as he wound up leading New York in sacks (12.5) and forced fumbles (3).
If the Giants are to right the wrongs of 2014, they'll need a healthy JPP to aid the defensive cause and wreak the kind of havoc he was once capable of only a few short NFL seasons ago.
