Jason Pierre-Paul Injury Update: DE Plans to Return to Giants Before Week 1

Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul hasn't made his return to the New York Giants since his mysterious July 4 firework injury, but that could change very soon. According to ESPN.com's Dan Graziano, Pierre-Paul plans on arriving next week to the team's facilities in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Pierre-Paul remains on the Giants' roster after the team placed him on the reserve/franchise tag list earlier in the week, per Tom Rock of Newsday.   

ESPN's Adam Schefter was among many to report that the two-time Pro Bowler had his right index finger amputated and suffered a fractured thumb as a result of his accident earlier in the summer. Pierre-Paul made light of the situation with these two tweets back in August:

"

What happened to me was not a set back. God has greater plans for me. No man can judge me accepted God himself.

— iamjasonpierrepaul (@UDWJPP) August 23, 2015"

"

My bad except lost a finger LOL.

— iamjasonpierrepaul (@UDWJPP) August 23, 2015"

On July 8, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Pierre-Paul could be back in fewer than two months, which would match up with a proposed return next week.

Bernie Augustine and Larry McShane of the New York Daily News offered the best look yet at Pierre-Paul's injured hand, which showed a large cast around his right hand and his right arm in a sling:

It seems impossible that Pierre-Paul will play the Giants' season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 13. Even if he's 100 percent, he'll still need some time to get back into football shape.

As long as the hand injury doesn't limit Pierre-Paul's effectiveness, he'll undoubtedly be a big part of New York's pass rush.