(Getty)
It has not been a particularly good few weeks for Jason Pierre-Paul.
The New York Giants defensive end made headlines after a fireworks accident on Fourth of July and, according to several reports, had his right index finger amputated. Despite early assumptions that Pierre-Paul may be forced to miss games this season, recent reports seem to suggest that the Pro-Bowl defender may actually be ready to go for the New York Giants opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
That is, of course, based on the idea that Pierre-Paul will show up for training camp and, right now, the Giants aren’t quite sure whether or not that will happen. Big Blue’s first training camp practice is scheduled for July 31 at the team’s Quest Diagnostics Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Giants owner John Mara broke his silence for the first time earlier this week, speaking with The New York Post about the rumors surrounding Pierre-Paul and his reported refusal to speak with team officials. Mara told the newspaper:
I don’t think JPP is receiving very good advice right now. He has told people that he’s fine and he’s going to be ready to play, but until we see the hand, we’re just not sure. Well, the first thought and concern we all had was for JPP’s well-being. After that, I think I may have used some language that I wouldn’t like my grandchildren to hear me use.
Mara, whose family has owned and operated the Giants for decades, added that he has “no idea” when Pierre-Paul will report to camp. Or if he will for that matter. Shortly after the fireworks incident, two members of the Giants staff traveled to Miami to visit Pierre-Paul in the hospital but were turned away.
Although Mara did tell The Post that he has since communicated with Pierre-Paul via text, as have several other high-ranking Giants officials, the long-time executive said the team has yet to actually see the defender in person or have team medial staff examine him.
That isn’t all.
Pierre-Paul still has not signed his franchise tender of $14.8 million and while the Giants have yet to officially rescind the offer, the money can’t sit on the metaphorical table forever. Right now, the Giants are simply hoping that Pierre-Paul shows up to camp, at some point. Mara added:
We’d like him to come in and report, and at the very least, learn the new defense that Steve Spagnuolo is putting in. And to have some of the best doctors in the world, who are located within a few miles of this place, take a look at him and see if there’s anything further that can be done to help him.
The latest ESPN report doesn’t do anything to improve New York’s collective hopes, howver. A source told the network on Wednesday that Pierre-Paul has been rehabbing on his own in Florida and doesn’t currently have a timetable for returning to the Giants.
