JPP also missing tip of thumb, had procedure on middle finger

[Herc]

Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Sources: JPP also missing tip of thumb, had procedure on middle finger

By Dan Graziano
ESPN.com

Jason Pierre-Paul had a repair procedure performed on his right middle finger three days before the New York Giants examined his hand last week. The condition of that finger and the fact that the defensive end also is missing the tip of his thumb and his entire index finger has led to some increased pessimism among team decision-makers about his prognosis, sources told ESPN.

Pierre-Paul remains convinced that he will play again this year, sources with knowledge of his thinking have said, and thinks it will be relatively soon.

But another source said the Giants don't plan to see Pierre-Paul again for another five or six weeks and that if the hand isn't healed to their satisfaction by then, they will consider rescinding his $14.81 million franchise tender.

Multiple sources confirmed to ESPN that Pierre-Paul is missing a portion of his thumb in addition to the right index finger he had amputated after his July 4 fireworks accident.

One of the sources told ESPN, however, that the portion of the thumb that's missing is just the tip and is not a significant hindrance to his recovery.

Jason Pierre-Paul is missing a portion of his right thumb in addition to his amputated index finger, and he also recently had a procedure on his middle finger, according to sources.

 

One source said the procedure Pierre-Paul had done Sept. 4 to "close up" his middle finger was still fresh when he met with team doctors on Sept. 7.

So while the condition of the middle finger alarmed some with the Giants, Pierre-Paul said he believes it will heal to an extent that will ultimately allow him to play, according to the source.

Pierre-Paul had surgery to repair thumb fractures on July 8, when he also had the index finger amputated. But one of the sources who spoke to ESPN about the situation this week said Pierre-Paul has had many procedures since that time and that the Sept. 4 operation on the middle finger was the last one needed -- that all that was left for him is rehab focused on range of motion in his right hand.

A source who has seen the hand said the swelling has gone down significantly in the past several weeks and that the myriad surgical procedures had to be staggered because some had to heal before others could be performed.

Pierre-Paul still has the option of signing the tender, but if he does that, the Giants would have the option to put him on the non-football injury list and not pay him for the entire season.

While in New York last week, Pierre-Paul was examined by Giants team doctors, trainer Ronnie Barnes and hand specialist Robert Hotchkiss from the Hospital for Special Surgery.

As ESPN reported Saturday night, some in the organization felt the condition of the hand was worse than they had been led to believe, while others were encouraged by Pierre-Paul's mindset and his physical condition apart from the hand. The Giants save about $871,000 in cash and cap room for every game Pierre-Paul misses with the franchise tag unsigned.

[jranieli]

unbelievable

[gmenroc]

I've told the story before. I know a guy who had the exact same thing happen. The fact that his middle finger and thumb also sustained damage is of absolutely no surprise. I'd be willing to bet that there are broken bones in his hand too, besides the fingers mentioned. Potentially even broken bones in the wrist. It's promising to hear that the final planned surgery has been completed. I'd be interested to know if there were pins/screws and if there was intent to keep any of those in the hand or if there was something planned down the road to remove any of that. Further, the swelling going down is a good sign of healing, obviously. Range of motion, strength are important to work on...but so to is maintaining blood flow to the damaged areas of his hand. The extent of nerve damage could restrict that blood flow.

 

I think JPP will suit up again...I do. In 6 weeks, there could be what seems to be a big difference in the hand IF all the skin grafts are healed and IF he's down to a glove of sorts. I still think that it's pretty tough to expect him to play in 6 weeks. Back in 8 or 10 weeks? Well, that could depend more on the Giant's season at that point than it does with JPP himself. If after 10 games, we're 2-8...there's really no point in signing him. If we're 8-2...give it a shot. If we're 5-5, maybe he's productive enough for a playoff push?

 

Lastly, I think the only way he's back next year is if he signs and plays a number of games this season. And even that might be a longshot.

[Bigblue25]

He's not coming back next year. My guess is in six weeks they rescind the franchise tender

[Treehugger]

Bye bye, dumbass.

[Sephiroth]

He's young and stupid. I've set off tons of fireworks and some haven't gone so well... not that bad, but I've gotten a couple of minor burns. One time as a kid I was setting off bottle rockets outside my room and one came back in and exploded... you'd be surprised how loud those are going off in a house.

 

I hope he can resurrect his career and we're all laughing about this in a year.

[Storm]

How exactly does one grab a quarterback or running back with no index finger and half of a thumb? How does one lift or stay in shape without the use of one hand, while it heals?

 

There is a 0% chance that he plays this year. There is about a 5% chance he ever dons a Giants uniform again. Congratulations, JPP, you've officially entered Plaxico Burress territory.

[Allstarjim]

I agree he's in Plaxico Burress territory (not quite as bad because he didn't have to go the clink), but you can't seriously say he has no chance to play again this year. Even if he had nothing but a stump his explosion is going to allow him to get around some guys and he can still club the QB.

 

Personally, while I believe that his injuries will diminish his ability to some degree, I don't think his career is over and I don't think he's not going to ever be a good player again. when he jumps out as a pass rusher, many times he won't even need to grab the OT at all. Especially if he is rushing from the right side.

 

As long as he can somewhat grasp, can deliver a blow to a lineman's chest with an open hand, he still has the powerful lower half and explosion to rely on. Yes, reaching to his right and grasping at a scrambling QB or a RB might be diminished, but if he can get simply grasp at all with that hand he should be at least able to slow a runner down enough for help to arrive in most situations.

 

Allow me to illustrate one more thing... if you've ever seen Howie Long's or Michael Strahan's fingers... like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton they are crooked as hell. The reason is because they've been broken over and over. Didn't stop them from playing. Strahan never came out of a game over a couple of broken fingers.

 

Is he going to be worth a mega-deal like Mario Williams or JJ Watt? Probably no, but some team might still give him north of $15 million per. I don't think it will be the Giants because I think this situation will be difficult to overcome between player and team. I personally think he's going to play at some point this season, though, and probably not before week 9 at the earliest. But to write him off right now is a mistake. His hand needs to heal and then let's see what we have. He could be a big part of our defense down the stretch of the season.

[Storm]

I would be very hesitant to play a 3 fingered dude who absolutely cannot be in football shape over a guy like Robert Ayers. That's what I'm saying. There is no way a dude whose hand is healing can lift weights. He can run, but he cannot lift weights. He cannot work on technique other than footwork. He could have Strahan level talent, which he doesn't, and if he tried to come back in say, week 10 with a freshly healed hand, there is still absolutely no way that he would be playing. Because I know he couldn't have spent the past 10 weeks working out.

[BlueInCanada]

I agree he's in Plaxico Burress territory (not quite as bad because he didn't have to go the clink), but you can't seriously say he has no chance to play again this year. Even if he had nothing but a stump his explosion is going to allow him to get around some guys and he can still club the QB.

 

Personally, while I believe that his injuries will diminish his ability to some degree, I don't think his career is over and I don't think he's not going to ever be a good player again. when he jumps out as a pass rusher, many times he won't even need to grab the OT at all. Especially if he is rushing from the right side.

 

As long as he can somewhat grasp, can deliver a blow to a lineman's chest with an open hand, he still has the powerful lower half and explosion to rely on. Yes, reaching to his right and grasping at a scrambling QB or a RB might be diminished, but if he can get simply grasp at all with that hand he should be at least able to slow a runner down enough for help to arrive in most situations.

 

Allow me to illustrate one more thing... if you've ever seen Howie Long's or Michael Strahan's fingers... like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton they are crooked as hell. The reason is because they've been broken over and over. Didn't stop them from playing. Strahan never came out of a game over a couple of broken fingers.

 

Is he going to be worth a mega-deal like Mario Williams or JJ Watt? Probably no, but some team might still give him north of $15 million per. I don't think it will be the Giants because I think this situation will be difficult to overcome between player and team. I personally think he's going to play at some point this season, though, and probably not before week 9 at the earliest. But to write him off right now is a mistake. His hand needs to heal and then let's see what we have. He could be a big part of our defense down the stretch of the season.

 

The problem is, or atleast my problem with the whole situation.

 

I've never believed in the JPP train, outside of his one good year, most if not all his sacks come in garbage time of games or he pulls an Osi and disappears in any big game/pressure situation.

 

He wasnt even a top 10 DE in the league (IMO) before the injury, I really don't think he will be even close to his previous "form" for a few seasons after this injury.

 

Maybe it's just me, but I really don't understand the love for JPP, he just isnt a good DE from what I've seen, he just never has impacted the game like a Watt, Houston, etc.

 

The Giant's need answers at DE, but JPP isnt going to be one of them I think, shame too because he might have changed my opinion this year.

[Mr. P]

 

 

[Mr. P]

JPP in new video:

 

[Mr. P]

http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/9/15/9335421/jason-pierre-paul-instagram-workout-hand-injury-thumb-fireworks

[Allstarjim]

 

The problem is, or atleast my problem with the whole situation.

 

I've never believed in the JPP train, outside of his one good year, most if not all his sacks come in garbage time of games or he pulls an Osi and disappears in any big game/pressure situation.

 

He wasnt even a top 10 DE in the league (IMO) before the injury, I really don't think he will be even close to his previous "form" for a few seasons after this injury.

 

Maybe it's just me, but I really don't understand the love for JPP, he just isnt a good DE from what I've seen, he just never has impacted the game like a Watt, Houston, etc.

 

The Giant's need answers at DE, but JPP isnt going to be one of them I think, shame too because he might have changed my opinion this year.

 

 

Yeah I understand, but your opinion is incorrect. It's not all about sacks it's about pressure. He is statistically one of the best defensive ends of the game (outside of Watt). These false narratives that he doesn't show up in big games is ridiculous. Do you understand the problems he gave to Tyron Smith last year? That might be the best LT in football. BTW JPP had two sacks against Dallas in a game last year and 2 against Philly (Jason Peters). He had 8 tackles and a FF against Seattle. Yeah, he only had 12.5 total, and three came against Jax, but like I said it's about pressure, not sacks. And all great players feast on weaker competition, it's what they are supposed to do. If you ask his opponents if he is a good defensive end they would universally say he's a very good player. Not only that, he's the most dominant run-stopping DE in football not named Watt. Look up the numbers, I've posted them here before... and he's wasn't far behind Watt last year.

[BlueInCanada]

 

 

Yeah I understand, but your opinion is incorrect. It's not all about sacks it's about pressure. He is statistically one of the best defensive ends of the game (outside of Watt). These false narratives that he doesn't show up in big games is ridiculous. Do you understand the problems he gave to Tyron Smith last year? That might be the best LT in football. BTW JPP had two sacks against Dallas in a game last year and 2 against Philly (Jason Peters). He had 8 tackles and a FF against Seattle. Yeah, he only had 12.5 total, and three came against Jax, but like I said it's about pressure, not sacks. And all great players feast on weaker competition, it's what they are supposed to do. If you ask his opponents if he is a good defensive end they would universally say he's a very good player. Not only that, he's the most dominant run-stopping DE in football not named Watt. Look up the numbers, I've posted them here before... and he's wasn't far behind Watt last year.

 

Like I said it's just my opinion but I don't see it, I don't think he's a dominating force and I feel like teams don't have any fear running to his side.

 

JPP was a ghost in 2014 for the first 11 games of the season, and only turned it on in the final weeks of the year against lesser O-lines and opponents (much like the rest of the Giant's team).

 

He's a good player, better than any 10 fingered DE on the team right now, but he isnt worth the franchise tag and not 10 million a year.

[Allstarjim]

 

Like I said it's just my opinion but I don't see it, I don't think he's a dominating force and I feel like teams don't have any fear running to his side.

 

JPP was a ghost in 2014 for the first 11 games of the season, and only turned it on in the final weeks of the year against lesser O-lines and opponents (much like the rest of the Giant's team).

 

He's a good player, better than any 10 fingered DE on the team right now, but he isnt worth the franchise tag and not 10 million a year.

 

 

Dude, you don't nearly lead the NFL in tackles among D-linemen by being a ghost for 11 games.

[Iceman_NYG]

He is going to have to re-work his contract given his current situation. And regarding last year I guess - the Giants are a pretty much feed-off-each-other kind of team that builds on momentum. Things fall your way once or twice and suddenly everyone is doing a stellar job. I think JPP plays for us this year - he will play with a stub if needed and Im sure trainers would have fashioned a way for him to lift weights and stay in shape. Multiple modes of exercise are possible. He is the best player on defense that we have for sure - just maybe not for that much money.

[fishgutmartyr]

 

 

 

Last two are linebackers, though. Different position, different technique. Although I do admire your optimism.

 

 

Like I said it's just my opinion but I don't see it, I don't think he's a dominating force and I feel like teams don't have any fear running to his side.

 

JPP was a ghost in 2014 for the first 11 games of the season, and only turned it on in the final weeks of the year against lesser O-lines and opponents (much like the rest of the Giant's team).

 

He's a good player, better than any 10 fingered DE on the team right now, but he isnt worth the franchise tag and not 10 million a year.

 

You're not alone in your opinion. Good player, hated the idea of franchising him.

[Mr. P]

 

Last two are linebackers, though. Different position, different technique. Although I do admire your optimism.

 

 

 

 

All three are linebackers, first 2 are the same guy.

 

I realize there is different technique, but I still think JPP, when he is in good football shape, could possibly be an effective player with a club like that.

[CrazedDogs]

yeah, I've seen defensive linemen play with a hand in a cast before. And I've seen it used effectively as a weapon on the field. Its not like he's playing nose tackle, he doesn't have to grab on and hold the offensive linemen.

 

And JPP plays at near 300 pounds.... think he really needs to be able to wrap a guy up to take down a running back, much less a QB?.... nah.

[Mr. P]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 2m2 minutes ago

On the report from @DanGrazianoESPN on JPP’s piece missing from his thumb, source says it’s far above the joint. Just the tip.

[GA4M]

Why not make him a special glove that has nerve activated fingers?

[ppodlesny]

this is beyond comprehension that a guy would risk so much for something so stupid

[BronxRik]

Why not make him a special glove that has nerve activated fingers?

Wouldn't a bionic glove give him an unfair advantage? This ain't the Patriots, yo.

[GA4M]

Wouldn't a bionic glove give him an unfair advantage? This ain't the Patriots, yo.

The bastids keep getting away with it too, so I'm all for it.