New York Giants defense end Jason Pierre-Paul has been spotted without his bandage for the first time since the fireworks incident, according to Bernie Augustine of The New York Daily News.
Pierre-Paul can be seen without his index finger and a wrap around his middle finger. The Giants star defensive lineman looks like he has lost weight as well, and it's likely because he hasn't been able to do his normal workout routine.
Pierre-Paul tweeted that he can't remember that last time his index finger got him a sack. The Giants had no sacks against quarterback Tony Romo on Sunday, and they could definitely use a pass rush. Romo had tons of time to pick apart the Giants defense in the fourth quarter, and if they give Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan that same time this weekend he is likely to pick them apart too.
Without a pass rush the Giants secondary's job becomes much more difficult. During the last drive of the game, Romo wasn't even pressured, giving him all day to throw and allowing his receivers to break open from coverage.
Pierre-Paul is a sack machine and last season had 12.5 sacks. The Giants could use him back, but it's unknown if he will be the same player. Defensive linemen used their hands to shed blocks, and with a missing finger it may be more difficult for him to turn offensive tackles. As of right now the Giants need help on the defensive line, but it is unknown when or even if Pierre-Paul can make it back to the player he was before.
