New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who was injured in a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July, had his right index finger amputated on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Pierre-Paul is expected to play next season, Schefter reported, and could be back in fewer than two months, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.
The incident occurred at Pierre-Paul’s home in the Miami area. Neighbors said Pierre-Paul rented a U-Haul van and filled it with fireworks, making his plans for a major display known to neighbors.
Pierre-Paul’s family reportedly turned away the Giants’ athletic trainer, who flew down from New York, and also declined the team’s offer to connect the defensive end with hand specialists in New York City.
Pierre-Paul is not under contract with the team as he has not signed his $14.8 million franchise tender. The deadline for franchised players to agree to long-term contracts is July 15. If a deal can’t be reached by that date, Pierre-Paul would have to play under his tender, unless the Giants decide to withdraw it.
The Giants reportedly pulled a long-term offer worth at least $60 million on Monday. The initial report of the contract being off the table claimed concerns over Pierre-Paul’s judgment and health.
The 15th overall pick in the 2010 draft, Pierre-Paul has 42 sacks in 75 games.
Wilson injures hand in fireworks accident
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback C.J. Wilson injured his hand during a fireworks accident over the weekend.
The Tampa Bay Tribune reported that Wilson’s future with the Bucs may be in jeopardy as a result of a “severe hand injury” he suffered in the fireworks accident in his hometown of Lincolnton, N.C. Sources close to Wilson’s family told the Lincoln Times-News that the cornerback lost two fingers.
Wilson, 25, had been slated to begin his second season with the Bucs when training camp opens later this month. He appeared in two games for Tampa Bay in 2014, playing primarily on special teams and recording four tackles. Wilson is in the final season of a two-year deal that carries a non-guaranteed base salary of $585,000 for the 2015 season.
NFL has 10-year deal in London
The NFL reached agreement with Tottenham Hotspur for a minimum of two games per year to be played during a 10-year partnership at the English Premier League team’s new stadium in London.
Tottenham Hotspur is building a new home field to replace White Hart Lane, which is nearly 116 years old. The new 61,000-seat venue, adjacent to its current stadium, is due to open in the summer of 2018.
In addition to the minimum of two games per year at the new Tottenham site, other NFL games may take place at different venues in the UK during the span of the 10-year agreement.
The NFL has two seasons remaining on the arrangement with Wembley Stadium, where it has so far staged 11 games since 2007, and the league said it is optimistic that the relationship will be extended beyond 2016.