Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul Undergoes Surgery To Repair Herniated Disc

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The New York Giants say defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul had successful surgery on Tuesday to repair a herniated disc in his lower back.

Recovery is expected to take about 12 weeks, the team said.

"My back has been bothering me for a while, and even last season I played through some back issues," Pierre-Paul said in a statement. "The treatment I've been doing has helped manage the issue, but this procedure is going to get me fully healthy and there should be no more pain. I'm going to do everything the doctors tell me to do during my rehab so I can be back playing the game I love at a high level as quickly as possible."

Pierre-Paul had just 6.5 sacks last season after breaking out with 16.5 in 2011.

The 24-year-old suffered back woes in 2012 "and received multiple epidural injections to get through season," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. He also dealt with back spasms during the preseason.

The surgery was performed in Marina Del Rey, California by Dr. Robert Watkins.

"Jason has been experiencing lower back pain that past couple months," Giants senior vice president of medical services Ronnie Barnes said. "He has managed the discomfort with treatment and core strengthening exercises. Last week, he was examined by Drs. Russell Warren and Frank Cammisa at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Both felt this procedure was the most prudent course of action. Dr. Watkins, after examining Jason yesterday, agreed. We expect a full and complete recovery."

In March, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Pierre-Paul reported to training camp overweight last year.

Pierre-Paul was selected 15th overall by New York in the 2010 draft. He has 27.5 career sacks.

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