New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul made light of his recent injury and the concerns of legions of Big Blue fans, suggesting via Twitter that his now-amputated index finger was never the reason he excelled as an NFL defender in the first place.
I can't think of the last time my index finger got me a sack
Pierre-Paul's Twitter quip comes only a day after he posted a video to his Instagram page of a recent workout session, presumably meant to quell some of the worry that had built amongst the Giants fan base as a result of his Fourth of July weekend fireworks accident and the resulting injury. Reports in the immediate aftermath of the incident suggested that JPP's injury could be severe enough as to be career-threatening, but we now know that he should be able to return to the field again, although no one is sure when that will be.
Pierre-Paul traveled to the Giants facilities recently to speak with the team and have the organization's doctors assess the full extent of the damage to his hand. Pierre-Paul's right index finger was amputated, and it's been suggested in the last day or two that he may also be missing a portion of the thumb on that hand as well. It's difficult to discern from the workout video he posted just what shape his hand is in, though there does look to be heavy bandaging.
At this point, it's unlikely that Pierre-Paul will return to the field in the immediate future. He's likely got healing to do and it may time a little time for him to get back into football shape. There's also the matter of his contract and the as-of-yet un-rescinded $14.8 million franchise tag he chose not to sign this offseason.
When he returns, it seems he'll be a Giant. For how long and to what level he'll be able to perform when he does come back, are the questions that continue to linger.
