Giants "Plan" for Jason Pierre-Paul to Start

Jason Pierre-Paul returns to the Giants lineup against the Buccaneers today. As you’re presumably aware, he’s missed the team’s first eight games this season after losing several fingers in a July 4th fireworks accident. It sounds as though they feel he’s ready to contribute:

When the accident happened, it felt career-threatening. While any return timetables were vague, it didn’t feel until recently like he’d be back this quickly. A righty, Pierre-Paul will instead have to play with his left hand on the ground, which might not sound like a massive deal but apparently triggers substantial changes for other pass rushing mechanics.

How much money this ordeal cost Pierre-Paul remains to be seen. He was due to make $14.8 million under the franchise tag. The most he can make for the duration of this season is $8.7 million. But, to reach that number he needs to notch 10 sacks in eight games, which seems like a lofty goal.

In any event, it’s great that he’s back this soon. The Giants, who have had a see-saw but nevertheless lead the flawed NFC East at 4-4, would surely prefer he unlocks all his incentives.