Giants Officials Still Have Not Met With Jason Pierre-Paul

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According to multiple press reports, New York Giants team officials sent to check on the medical status of defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida still have not yet been able to meet with the player. It is believed that Pierre-Paul suffered serious injuries to one of his hands due to a fireworks accident on Saturday at his South Florida home.

The other Giants official in Miami (with trainer Ronnie Barnes) trying to see JPP is former LB Jessie Armstead, now a special asst for NYG.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 8, 2015

An unconfirmed report from BleacherReport.com said that Pierre-Paul suffered third-degree burns on his hand, requiring a skin graft. The New York Daily News is reporting that Pierre-Paul is believed to have already undergone surgery.

NFL.com is reporting that based on the early prognosis, it is possible that Pierre-Paul could be ready for the season opener. Whether that is an overly-optimistic projection on the part of Pierre-Paul’s camp remains unknown.

According to a team official who spoke to The New York Post, the Giants have not been barred from meeting with Pierre-Paul. However, it does appear that the team is currently only receiving updates from Pierre Paul’s agent and team officials have not been allowed to question doctors or examine Pierre-Paul directly. The Daily News reports that a spokeswoman at the hospital said that Pierre-Paul’s family has requested privacy and could not provide specific information.

This saga could be prolonged. According to NFL.com, two sources have said that Giants medical personnel may not be able to examine Pierre-Paul until he signs his 1-year, $14.813 million Franchise tender. Possibly further complicating matters is that NFL.com is also reporting that Pierre-Paul does not intend to sign that tender until he is physically ready to play.

Don’t expect Jason Pierre-Paul to sign his franchise tag til he’s ready to play. Means #Giants can’t place him on Non-Football Injury list.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 7, 2015

If Pierre-Paul were to sign his tender and he cannot practice in training camp and play in the preseason, the Giants would likely put him on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) List. A player still on the NFI List when the regular season starts is not allowed to play for the first six games of the regular season. So if Pierre-Paul is now projected to miss the season opener, it might be better for him not to sign the tender now as he could then return before the first six games are concluded.

If the Giants rescind the tender, Pierre-Paul would automatically become an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team. The Giants are not believed to be considering rescinding their tender offer. While unsigned or on the NFI List, Pierre-Paul would not be paid.

NFL.com is also now reporting that Pierre-Paul was likely to hold out of at least the early portion of training camp even before he was injured.

On the legal front, there was some reporting on Tuesday that Pierre-Paul may be investigated and possibly charged by police authorities for use of illegal fireworks. But at least one local Florida jurisdiction said they would not pursue the case. However, FOXSports is reporting that other police jurisdictions could still proceed with an investigation and possible charges.

JPP not out of the woods legally. Have spoken to a few police departments in FL. Once they determine where indecent occurred, might proceed.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 7, 2015