Jason Pierre-Paul returning to Giants, could play early in season

Jason Pierre-Paul plans to return to the Giants and could potentially play early in the season.

Jason Pierre-Paul plans to rejoin the New York Giants next week and could be available to play early in the season.

Giants owner John Mara confirmed a report by ESPN's Dan Graziano: Pierre Paul has informed the Giants he will indeed return after a long stint away from the team.

The defensive end has been in midst of an offseason contract dispute, and lost his right index finger and suffered other injuries to his hand during a July 4 fireworks accident. The Giants will examine Pierre-Paul's hand and determine when he could be able to play, according to the report.

New York placed the franchise tag on Pierre-Paul in March, and the deadline for tagged players to sign a long-term deal passed on July 15. He has not yet signed his tag, worth more than $14.8 million, which the Giants have yet to rescind. Pierre-Paul, 26, can either sign the deal or sit out the season.

Pierre-Paul is a two-time Pro Bowler with 42 sacks and 286 total tackles in five NFL seasons with New York.

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- Jeremy Woo