New York Giants Rumors: Jason Pierre-Paul to Return to Team Practices Next Week

The New York Giants are expecting Jason Pierre-Paul back on their defensive line. Giants' owner John Mara announced that the defensive end will be returning to the team after being away for the whole offseason.

"His agent informed us that he plans to report sometime next week," Mara said Thursday night. "That's all I know."

"If it's true, great," Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said. "Get him in here. Let's see where we are."

Pierre-Paul, who lost a finger due to a fireworks accident back on July 4th, has not been with the team throughout the offseason. Ever since the Giants used the franchise tag on him, Pierre-Paul was in a contract standoff. The tag guarantees one-year worth $14.813 million. However, it seems like the standoff is over and his teammates are happy that he will be returning.

"Just him being there and just us seeing him, I'm sure is going to bring a different energy, a different feel to the team," cornerback Prince Amukamara said to the New York Daily News. "I think we did a good job today regardless of who we went up against, but I think JPP's leadership, just him being there . . . he's a great locker-room guy. He's what we need."

Nikita Whitlock added, "That'd be great for the D-line, just to have that leader back in here, just to have that energy. He can provide just that energy and just that atmosphere. To have that attitude . . . that's big."

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that Pierre-Paul will not sign the franchise tag until he knows that the Giants will not put him on the non-football injury list. By putting him on that list, the Giants would be able to avoid paying him for the games that he would miss. The NFL injury list requires players to sit out for at least six games.

Pierre-Paul will reportedly meet with the Giants' medical team, who will assess his ability to play.