Oct 272015
 
Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants (December 28, 2014)

Jason Pierre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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GIANTS NEGOTIATING 1-YEAR DEAL WITH JASON PIERRE-PAUL…
According to press reports, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and the New York Giants are in negotiations on a 1-year contract that would reduce his pro-rated, 1-year, $8.7 million Franchise tender (minus $6.1 million for the seven games he has missed) to an incentive-laden deal. The contract would likely prevent the Giants from placing Pierre-Paul on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) List, ensuring that Pierre-Paul would be paid. ESPN is reporting that Pierre-Paul could return to the playing field by Week 10 or Week 12 (the Giants have a bye during Week 11). FOX Sports is reporting that Pierre-Paul could be back on the field by Week 10.

Press reports say that Head Coach Tom Coughlin, General Manager Jerry Reese, and Defensive Line Coach Robert Nunn met with Pierre-Paul on Monday. In addition, Pierre-Paul was examined by team medical personnel who have apparently have determined that Pierre-Paul is physically capable of playing football again this season.

Newsday and NJ.com have reported that Pierre-Paul’s injuries to his right hand from the July 4th fireworks accident include an amputated index finger, the loss of portions of his middle finger and thumb, and fractures to his thumb. Pierre-Paul also had extensive burns that required multiple skin grafts. Other concerns include Pierre-Paul not being able to adequately weight train due to the injuries and corresponding loss of strength and mass, his not practicing since December 2014, and his unfamiliarity with new Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system.

VICTOR CRUZ INJURY UPDATE…
“There is no timetable set for me just yet,” WR Victor Cruz told reporters on Monday. “I meet with the doctors again this Thursday and take it from there. I feel better and I know that I’m progressing because the previous MRI showed the area of discomfort has gotten a lot smaller. Hopefully that trend continues and I’ll be out there sooner or later.”

Cruz has not completed a full practice since August 17 due to his injured calf. Cruz experienced a setback when attempting to practice on September 30.

WORKOUT TUESDAY…
As is usually the case, the Giants worked out a number of street free agents on Tuesday. Those reportedly working out for the team included place kickers Kyle Brindza, Zach Hocker, Corey Acosta, and Tom Obarski.

ELI MANNING ON WFAN
The audio of Monday’s WFAN Radio interview with quarterback Eli Manning is available on CBS New York’s website.

GIANTS-COWBOYS: SIGHTS AND SOUNDS…
A sights and sounds video from the Giants’ 27-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys is now available at Giants.com.

ARTICLES…

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
The players return to practice on Wednesday to start preparing for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.