Jason Pierre-Paul, the New York Giants' breakout star in 2012 who recorded 16.5 sacks that season, had a down year in 2013. While he was excited for a bounce back 2013 campaign, it may be on hold after news broke that JPP needs surgery on his back and might not be ready for the start of the season.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, his sources said that doctors expect Pierre-Paul to be ready for the September 8th opener, but back issues can be tricky. Pierre-Paul dealt with back problems in college, and also has troubles with his back during his rookie year in 2010.
After a Pro Bowl year in 2012, Pierre-Paul's sack total dipped to 6.5 last year, while his tackles dropped from 93 to 66. Schefter's sources say JPP played with the back problems for much of 2012, and received a number of epidural injections throughout the season.
That is contrary to some reports that JPP was "heavy" last season. Giants head coach Tom Coughlin openly wondered whether the defensive end needed to lose a little weight, which the star denied.
"I was always in great shape," Pierre-Paul said. "I'm still the same size this year. People say I look slimmer but I'm the same weight. I was not big last year. I was 273 and I'm 274 now. If they want me to lose weight, I can do it that fast."
Giants general manager Jerry Reese wants Pierre-Paul to have a sit down with former Giants leader, and the NFL record holder for sacks in a season, Michael Strahan. Reese hopes Strahan can take JPP under his wing, and give the young pass rusher insight into how he can deal with the increasing amount of double teams he faces.
The Giants hope Pierre-Paul won't need to begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Justin Tuck remains with the team, as does Mathias Kiwanuka, but sack specialist Osi Umenyiora is gone, hurting the team's long-vaunted depth.
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