New York Giants Rumors: Star Defensive Starter May Sit Out Opener Against Dallas Cowboys

The New York Giants are starting the season with a huge divisional game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. Both teams are looking to have a successful season and make it into the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Giants, it looks as if they are going to have to start the season without one key defensive starter in Jason Pierre-Paul.

The 26-year-old defensive end went to New York so the Giants could examine his injured right hand for the first time, and things didn’t seem to go too well. He ended up heading back home to Florida, according to Newsday and left without having signed a contract to play for the team this season.

Back on July 4, Jason Pierre-Paul suffered the right-hand injury in a fireworks accident, and it led to his right index finger being amputated.

Upon arriving in New York, he gave the Giants all of his medical records related to that injury and also took a team physical. According to ESPN, the team also had a tape of Pierre-Paul doing some conditioning work and defensive line drills and weightlifting.

A source revealed to ESPN that things aren’t looking good for this weekend’s game in Dallas against the Cowboys.

“He could play this week, but he probably wont. If it was up to him, he would wrap his hand in a cast and play.”

Jason Pierre-Paul was designated with the Giants’ franchise tag this year, and he has yet to sign the one-year tender offer for $14.8 million.

Problems could still arise depending on his physical and how long the Giants believe it will take Pierre-Paul to be ready to play. Due to the right hand injury, he did not take part in the New York Giants’ offseason program, training camp, or any preseason games.

If it is determined that Jason Pierre-Paul will be out at least six more weeks before he can be ready to play, the Giants could place him on the non-football injury list. By being placed on that list, the team will not be responsible for paying him.

For now, or at least for the game against the Dallas Cowboys, the Giants will be going to Cullen Jenkins and Robert Ayers. Both players are capable of playing well, but not nearly up to the same caliber of Pierre-Paul.

The New York Giants are going to miss Jason Pierre-Paul against the Dallas Cowboys and for however long he may be out. Last season, he had 12.5 sacks, and that is a lot of production to take away from the defense, but they hope he will be ready soon.

[Image via Getty Images – Alex Goodlett]