Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul’s visit to the Giants last week didn’t result in a return to the team and reportedly left some members of the organization pessimistic about his chances of playing at all in the 2015 season.
That pessimism won’t be alleviated by word that Pierre-Paul needed to have another procedure on his right hand just before going to visit the Giants. Dan Graziano of ESPN.com reports that Pierre-Paul had a “repair procedure” done on his right middle finger three days before being examined by the Giants. Graziano previously reported that a portion of another finger is missing and Tuesday’s report mentions that he’s missing the tip of his right thumb in addition to his entire right index finger, although that’s not thought to be a major obstacle in his return to the field.
PFT reported on Sunday that Pierre-Paul hopes to return in five or six weeks and Graziano adds that the team will consider rescinding his $14.8 million franchise tender if he’s not ready to play at that point. Pierre-Paul loses about $870,000 from that total every week he’s away from the team during the regular season.
Taken alongside Jay Glazer of FOX’s report that Pierre-Paul has lost a lot of weight because he “hasn’t been able to work out” since suffering the hand injuries in a July 4 fireworks accident, it doesn’t make for a particularly hopeful picture of Pierre-Paul’s chances of helping the Giants defense this season.