This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
I addressed Jason Pierre-Paul's bizarre fireworks-induced injury last week, but more information regarding the severity of his injuries surfaced and further analysis is needed.
I detailed how two of the primary issues with burns are the associated nerve pain and the risk of infection. The announcement that extensive skin grafts were needed simply reinforces these concerns. Along these same lines, the sweat glands in the area of concern have likely been affected as well and will have to be carefully monitored before he will be cleared for full activity.
The biggest revelation centered on Pierre-Paul's right index finger that was surgically amputated. While that may sound like a life-changing procedure, it may actually speed up the recovery process for the injured digit. Instead of waiting for the soft tissue and bony injures to heal, JPP simply has to wait for the wound associated to the surgery to heal. That could take as few as three weeks as opposed to the initial timeline of six to eight weeks.
Finger amputations in football aren't uncommon, either. Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott played nine seasons after having the tip of his left pinkie amputated following the 1985 season. In 2003, an offensive lineman at Division II Mesa State College had his pinkie amputated instead of undergoing season-ending surgery. He returned one week later. Oddly enough, Buccaneers cornerback C.J. Wilson was also injured in a fireworks accident. Wilson reportedly lost his index and middle fingers on one of his hands.
Unfortunately, any
I addressed Jason Pierre-Paul's bizarre fireworks-induced injury last week, but more information regarding the severity of his injuries surfaced and further analysis is needed.
I detailed how two of the primary issues with burns are the associated nerve pain and the risk of infection. The announcement that extensive skin grafts were needed simply reinforces these concerns. Along these same lines, the sweat glands in the area of concern have likely been affected as well and will have to be carefully monitored before he will be cleared for full activity.
The biggest revelation centered on Pierre-Paul's right index finger that was surgically amputated. While that may sound like a life-changing procedure, it may actually speed up the recovery process for the injured digit. Instead of waiting for the soft tissue and bony injures to heal, JPP simply has to wait for the wound associated to the surgery to heal. That could take as few as three weeks as opposed to the initial timeline of six to eight weeks.
Finger amputations in football aren't uncommon, either. Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott played nine seasons after having the tip of his left pinkie amputated following the 1985 season. In 2003, an offensive lineman at Division II Mesa State College had his pinkie amputated instead of undergoing season-ending surgery. He returned one week later. Oddly enough, Buccaneers cornerback C.J. Wilson was also injured in a fireworks accident. Wilson reportedly lost his index and middle fingers on one of his hands.
Unfortunately, any time Pierre-Paul gained in recovery following the amputation was quickly lost with the news that he also sustained a thumb fracture. The extent of the fracture and surgical treatments remain unreported, but the injury should push the timeline back to six to eight weeks.
The injury not only affects his availability on the field, but it further muddles his contract dispute. More information likely will surface in the coming weeks, but JPP's value in IDP leagues remains low and the Giants defense also takes a hit.
Turf Burns
Victor Cruz: If a major injury on the defensive side of the ball wasn't bad enough, the Giants remain unsure of Cruz's availability for the start of the season. The former Pro Bowl receiver is working his way back from a ruptured patellar tendon sustained last season. Cruz continues to express optimism that the PUP list will not be necessary, but, as I've reported, this type of injury is career-altering and a PUP designation could go a long way to protecting his long-term health.
Brandon LaFell: Training camp hasn't even started and New England is already cryptic and vague about injuries to its players. The Patriots receiver was happy to reveal he recently shed a protective walking boot from his left foot. However, the reason for the boot has yet to be divulged. LaFell had a breakout season in 2014, hauling in 74 passes for 953 yards and seven touchdowns. However, an undisclosed toe injury limited him in the postseason and appears to have kept him out of offseason workouts. The positive report from LaFell is encouraging but serves as a reminder of the reporting problems that come with owning Patriots.
Darren McFadden: The former Razorback told an Arkansas newspaper that his troublesome hamstring is fine and he expects to be an active participant in training camp. McFadden will compete in training camp with Joseph Randle for the starting role. Sustained health could be the deciding factor for who takes over for the departed DeMarco Murray.
Aaron Rodgers: Any lingering concerns about Rodger's previously strained calf muscle have all but vanished after the MVP quarterback recently reported it's been a non-issue during workouts. Rodgers spent the first few months of the offseason rehabbing the muscle but has since shifted to improving his weight to better withstand the grind of the season.
