Jason Pierre-Paul Comments on Fireworks Accident, Injury and More

Days after signing an incentive-laden, one-year deal with the New York Giants, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul met with the media Friday to discuss everything that has happened to him since the July 4 accident that cost him his right index finger.   

The most obvious question that has to be answered is how his hand will affect his game, something even he admitted isn't clear at this time, per James Kratch of New Jersey Advance Media:

However, per the Giants' official Twitter feed, Pierre-Paul said he's still the same guy and is "ready to play football." The 26-year-old added he is not traveling with the team to New Orleans this weekend.

As far as officially being back with the Giants now that he has a contract, Pierre-Paul said it was "great" and he "feels good" to be with his teammates again, per Steve Politi of the Star-Ledger.

Regarding the fireworks accident, Pierre-Paul said he wasn't afraid, per Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports:

But Pierre-Paul did say he was "fortunate to be alive," per Kratch, and there will be "no fireworks" for him in 2016.

At his best, Pierre-Paul is a weapon the Giants are sorely lacking right now. He had 12.5 sacks last season; the entire team has nine sacks through seven games this year. 

Because of the unprecedented nature of Pierre-Paul's injury, the only way anyone will know what he's capable of doing is by watching when he gets back on the field. There doesn't seem to be a definite return date, though Garafolo reported the team is hoping for Week 10 against the New England Patriots. 

Pierre-Paul has worked out all of the off-field differences with the Giants. Now, he has to get back in shape to prove he can be the same player he was at the end of 2014.