As the New York Giants prepare to begin their season against division rivals the Dallas Cowboys at Jerry World, much of the focus has been on Eli Manning‘s new contract and whether or not Odell Beckham Jr will have another spectacular grab. With that said, many in the Giants camp were optimistic about the return of all-pro defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul who severely damaged his right hand in a fireworks accident on July 4th.
JPP had to have his right index finger amputated but showed up to East Rutherford, NJ earlier this week in peak physical condition (minus his right hand) along with a very positive attitude. Upon further inspection by team doctors, it has been revealed that with the amputated finger, Pierre-Paul also has a fractured thumb, skin grafts and a portion of one of his other fingers missing. This of course has many in the Giants camp very concerned.
The Giants have a franchise tender waiting for a signature from Pierre-Paul, but he has yet to sign it, considering he was hoping for a new contract prior to the accident. Furthermore, if he were to sign the franchise tag contract, he would most likely be placed on the non-football injury list, which would result in him not being paid for the coming season. Pierre-Paul has told the teams front office that he is prepared to play if he is provided with a protective device for his hand, but that remains to be seen.
For time being, the New York Giants are not only concerned about his availability to play but also don’t want to shell out money on a player loaded with question marks.
The true question is, how would he sign the contract with one and a half fingers missing? – Rocko Rathon
Photo Credit: AP
