Reports: Jason Pierre-Paul injures hands in fireworks accident

New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul injured his hand in a fireworks accident in Florida on Saturday. It is reportedly not serious.

New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul injured his hand in a fireworks accident in Florida on Saturday, according to multiple reports. 

The injuries include “severe burns on his palm and tips of three fingers, and one finger is being tested for nerve damage,” ESPN.com reported, adding that the accident did not cause “permanent damage or disfigurement of his hands.”

Pierre-Paul remained hospitalized on Monday, reports NJ Advance Media. A team spokesperson told the outlet that the Giants' concern right now is Pierre-Paul’s well being.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Pierre-Paul sustained injuries to both hands, “one significant, the other not as significant.” Later Monday, Schefter reported there was “concern” among the Giants that Pierre-Paul could miss training camp and possibility the start of the regular season, although the team is still awaiting more medical information and initial indications were that the hand injury is not career-threatening.

Paul Schwartz of the New York Postreported that “it is believed the flesh on Pierre-Paul’s injured hand was burned off his palm and fingertips but his fingers are intact.”

Pierre-Paul, 26, is a Deerfield Beach, Fla., native and played college football at South Florida.

An image claiming to show Pierre-Paul’s UHaul van filled with fireworks before the reported accident was tweeted on Saturday, along with other tweets claiming to have seen Pierre-Paul lighting fireworks. Pierre-Paul also shared a video on Instagram of himself in front of the van before the reported accident.

No comments have been issued by the Giants or Pierre-Paul’s representatives. Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole and Fox Sports’ Mike Garafolo tweeted confirmations that Pierre-Paul sustained a hand injury in a fireworks accident Saturday night, but were initially unable to confirm the severity.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Pierre-Paul returned from an injury-shortened 2013 season to play all 16 games in 2014, recording 77 tackles, 12.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

The Giants placed their franchise tag on Pierre-Paul in March, but he has yet to sign the franchise tender that would have guaranteed him $14.813 million next season. The sides have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal. As Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio notes, the Giants can rescind the franchise tender at any time, but that would make him an unrestricted free agent. 

Over five seasons, Pierre-Paul has recorded 286 tackles, 42 sacks and eight forced fumbles.

- Mike Fiammetta