The New York Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul will return to the team next week, according to reports.
The defensive end lost his right index finger in a fireworks accident on July 4 and has stayed away from the team all off-season after being designated with the franchise tag in March.
The Giants have been unable to assess the extent of Pierre-Paul's injury but according to ESPN, the 26-year-old will meet with the team's medical staff in East Rutherford, New Jersey next week in order to see when he may be able to play again.
It is believed that Pierre-Paul wants to avoid being placed on the non-football injury list that would allow the Giants to not pay him for games that he misses.
According to the report, the two-time Pro Bowler would like to discuss terms of the franchise tag before he signs the tender and believes that he can play with his hand in its current condition.
Pierre-Paul started all 16 games for the Giants last season, finishing with 12.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Nathan Staples
