Jason Pierre-Paul Hand Injury Photos Emerge for 1st Time Since Firework Accident

New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul underwent surgery to have his index finger removed following a fireworks accident on July 4, but the results haven't been made public until now. 

Bernie Augustine of the New York Daily News wrote about Pierre-Paul's recovery from the operation and included multiple photographs of the 26-year-old without a bulky cast covering his right hand. 

Before these photos emerged, JPP sent out a tweet seemingly directed at all the doubters who believe the loss of his finger will impact his game:

The big revelation earlier in the week, per ESPN.com's Dan Graziano, was that Pierre-Paul had a "repair procedure" before meeting with the Giants in which part of his middle finger was also removed. Graziano noted that JPP is missing the tip of his thumb as well.

Despite the injury setbacks—there is still no definitive timetable for his return—Pierre-Paul remains steadfast in his quest to return. He posted an Instagram video of his workout, promising to "be back soon" (warning: video contains NSFW language):

The Giants placed the franchise tag on Pierre-Paul in March, but NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported on Sept. 7 the two sides are "likely to rework" the contract before anything is signed. 

JPP has been erratic in five NFL seasons, with 29 of his 42 career sacks coming in 2011 and 2014. The other three years have seen him finish with no more than 6.5 sacks, but he was the Giants' most prolific pass-rusher last season and a vital piece of their defense.

Unfortunately, due to the unique nature of this injury and his uncertain return date, the Giants should not be expecting the dominant edge-rusher that they had last season to return to form in 2015.