Jason Pierre-Paul could play in Week 9 against Bucs

Jason Pierre-Paul finally signed a contract with the New York Giants last week, and the original plan was to get him up to speed so he can return following the team’s Week 11 bye later this month. On Monday, Tom Coughlin hinted that Pierre-Paul could be ready much sooner.

If everything goes well in practice this week, Pierre-Paul has a chance to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

“If he practices and continues to advance the way he has over last few days and we feel good about where he is physically, that would be a decision we would be confident in making,” Coughlin told reporters, per Newsday’s Tom Rock.

Pierre-Paul has been practicing in pads, and Coughlin said the Giants will “push the envelope” with him going forward and increase his reps. JPP will still need to make a ton of improvements, but the Giants showed how desperately they need a pass rusher Sunday when they let New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees stand in the pocket all day and light them up for more than 500 yards and seven touchdowns.

If you have seen the photo of Pierre-Paul’s injured hand, you are probably wondering how he will ever be as effective in the wake of his fireworks accident. You’re certainly not alone in that thinking.