Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has decided to seclude himself since the Fourth of July fireworks accident; but New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin told the press Saturday that he communicated with their franchise star.
The accident caused Pierre-Paul his right index finger, as he also suffered damages to his thumb and other fingers.
Since then, the 26-year-old footballer has spoken to only a few people, including some of his teammates. He also refused to be assessed physically by Giants officials who made their trip to his home in Florida, and this made team president John Mara disappointed.
A source then said that Pierre-Paul will undergo rehabilitation and will receive medical treatment on his own.
The Giants also had a hard time determining when Pierre-Paul will be able to return; but the recent talk with Coughlin is a great sign for the defensive end and the organization.
"Everybody's had a good conversation, and mine was the same," Coughlin told reporters after the Giants' practice Saturday.
But he also said that his knowledge regarding Pierre-Paul's condition remains the same and that he does not know when he will be coming back.
Although Coughlin added, "He's looking forward to coming. He's anxious to be here. But he's not going to come until he feels like he's ready to play."
As of report writing, Coughlin does not want to speculate on when Pierre-Paul will be back or give any timetable.
According to ESPN, another issue with Pierre-Paul and the Giants is his contract since he has not signed the franchise tag they assigned him worth $14.813 million.
Once Pierre-Paul signs it, he may be placed on the non-football injury list and the Giants may not pay him for the games he might be missing.
But ESPN suggested that the Giants and Pierre-Paul will arrive on an agreement soon with the 2015 season starting in just over a month.
