JPP is returning to practice

The New York Giants might have a pass rush this weekend, as JPP is returning to practice.

The New York Giants might finally have a pass rush this Sunday afternoon in Tampa, as defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul might be in uniform for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

This move would come one week following Pierre-Paul signing an incentive-laden one-year deal with the Giants after having his right index finger and part of the right thumb amputated following a Fourth-of-July fireworks accident.

Despite the significance of the injury, JPP still feels he can be an effective defensive end. “It’s going to be a big adjustment, “ Pierre-Paul said, “I’ve gotten over the bad part. But there’s nothing that I can’t do.”

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin insists the return of JPP to the lineup has nothing to do with the collapse of the defense last weekend in a 52-49 loss to the New Orleans Saints. The Giants gave up a franchise-worst 511 passing yards and seven touchdown passes to Saints quarterback Drew Brees on Sunday.

Instead, Coughlin wanted to praise Pierre-Paul’s outstanding physical condition that has allowed the coaching staff to accelerate his progress in practice and the possible return to the starting lineup this weekend. Coughlin won’t make a final decision until seeing Pierre-Paul in actual game situations, as he expects him to get plenty reps with the defense and scout team in practice this week.