The Giants remain cautiously optimistic that defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who suffered severe injuries to his right hand in a July 4 fireworks accident, can return sometime before the end of the season, possibly for the final four games or even longer, according to a league source familiar with the team's situation.
Pierre-Paul's injuries resulted in the amputation of his entire index finger, as well as portions of his thumb and middle finger. The source said the damage to the middle finger is more extensive than previously thought, although the Giants believe that it wouldn't prevent Pierre-Paul from being able to play as long as skin grafts used to repair his hand and fingers are strong enough.