So we've got some really good news and some potentially bad news for all of you Giants fans out there. The good news? Your star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is likely going to return to the team next week for the first time since losing a finger in a fireworks accident back in July. The bad news? It sounds like JPP's return has the potential to get messy for both sides.
As of right now, JPP hasn't signed the $14.813 million franchise tender that he earned when the Giants made him their franchise player back in March. He hasn't signed it because, once he does, the team could decide to put him on their non-football injury list, which could result in him losing game checks if he's not healthy enough to play. So before he does anything, he wants to get evaluated by the Giants' medical staff and, more importantly, speak with the team about their plans for him this season. And if the team insists on putting JPP on the NFI list, it could spell trouble for both sides.
There's more good news, too, though! One of the reasons JPP doesn't want to end up on the NFI list is that he reportedly believes he will be ready to play early on in the NFL season. He may need to have his hand wrapped when he plays, but ESPN New York is reporting that he believes he's ready to go and could return to the lineup within the few first games of the season.
Where does this leave Giants fans? For now, in a state of confusion, which is where they've been since July with regards to JPP. Stay tuned for more details about his possible return.
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[via ESPN New York]
