JPP’s former Giants teammate, who now plays for the Raiders, has been in “constant conversation” with the New York defensive end, and Tuck sees no reason to suspect the loss of a right index finger after a July 4 fireworks accident will hamper Pierre-Paul’s ability.
MORE: Bizarre NFL offseason injuries | What JPP means to Giants
“I think he will be (successful),” Tuck told NJ.com on Monday. “Once he gets used to playing again, you can’t deny his athletic ability. He’s a terror to block. I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t be the JPP of the second half of the season like he was last year.”
Pierre-Paul, who’s expected to recover from his injuries that include a broken thumb, didn’t let Giants officials visit him in the hospital for days after the incident. Tuck seems to know more about the 26-year-old’s state of being than anybody.
“He’ll be the first one to tell you he made a mistake,” Tuck said. “He’s fine. He’s going to have a great year.”
The team plans to keep JPP on the roster with its franchise tag. Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich echoed Tuck’s claim, according to the report. Nine fingers; ten fingers … doesn’t matter. JPP will be JPP.
“I’ve seen him do some ridiculous things with 10 fingers, I’m sure he can do some ridiculous things with nine fingers,” Herzlich said.
Pierre-Paul was released from Jackson Memorial Hospital last week and given a six-week recovery timetable. The two-time Pro Bowler led New York with 12.5, 49 stops and four passes batted at the line last season.
