Jason Pierre-Paul has always maintained he’s ready to contribute for the Giants, despite permanently damaging his right hand in a fireworks accident this offseason.
On Friday, he showed signs of contributing sooner rather than later.
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Just two days earlier, he was confined to working on the side with trainers. As you would expect it to be the case, shedding blockers with his damaged hand was the priority.
In just his second full day back, the 26-year-old bounced around individual drills and took practice reps with the scout-team defense.
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With NYC skyline in the background, JPP getting back into football groove. pic.twitter.com/sUyWOgmySd
— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) October 29, 2015
Following a solid showing, he spoke publicly for the first time since last December.
"I'm still the same JPP." - Jason Pierre-Paul #Giants
— New York Giants (@Giants) October 30, 2015
Jason Pierre-Paul on whether he can play with his right hand on the ground: "you'll have to wait and see."
— In Reese We Trust (@BigBlueUnited) October 30, 2015
Jason Pierre-Paul: "I'm fortunate to be alive."
— Giants Daily (@NYGDaily) October 30, 2015
An obstructed picture of Jason Pierre Paul's hand pic.twitter.com/xo6WMbUiKV
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) October 30, 2015
Practicing and saying all the right things, however, will not see him take the field this Sunday against the Saints.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is in no rush to call his number.
“It’s going to take a little while, it’s really early now,’’ Spagnuolo said, per New York Post. “We want to be optimistic, and I know he is, too, but I think we want to be smart about it. We’ll just see where it goes.’’
Clearly receiving the message, Pierre-Paul decided against traveling with the team.
Jason Pierre-Paul says he will not travel with the team to New Orleans. "I don't want to be a distraction." #Giants pic.twitter.com/kfV0i9HFhf
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 30, 2015
As pragmatic as that approach is, there’s no denying Friday’s developments accelerated Pierre-Paul’s timetable. Don't expect him to skip many more trips.
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