The New York Giants are still hopeful of seeing Jason Pierre-Paul on the field at some point this season, but if it happens, it isn't likely to be quite for a while. While various potential timetables have been offered up for JPP, it seems at this point that the team is simply hoping for the best. And the best in this latest scenario would be the final four games of the 2015 NFL season. The Giants are "optimistic" that Pierre-Paul can see action during the last four weeks and possibly longer this season, according to a report from Bob Glauber of Newsday.
"If he gets back for four games, that would be good," the source said. "If it's more, that would be a bonus."
That being said, the Giants aren't expecting anything out of the behemoth defensive end.
"It's still possible he doesn't come back [this year],'' the source said.
Per Glauber's sources, the damage to Pierre-Paul's middle finger is "more extensive" than originally presumed. While that wouldn't necessarily keep JPP from performing, it could potentially limit his production, depending on the strength of the skin grafts used to repair his injuries.
Prior to the injury, the Giants had designated Pierre-Paul as their franchise player. The defensive end tag carries a value of $14.8 million. The team has yet to rescind the offer, though some type of altered contract would likely need to be hashed out before JPP could return to the field, especially if he misses three-quarters of the regular season.
According to Glauber, if the Giants do re-sign Pierre-Paul, they'll be afforded a two-week roster exemption while they determine whether to place him on the active roster or the non-football injury list.
