Report: Jason Pierre-Paul Plans To Return To Giants Next Week

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- He could be back in the coming days.

According to ESPN.com, embattled defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul plans to return to the Giants next week.

Big Blue, which looked awfully shaky in its 2-2 preseason, could use him. The season opener is on Sept. 13 against the rival Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

Pierre-Paul was severely injured in a July 4 fireworks incident. He had his right index finger amputated. The 26-year-old has been away from the team since the accident and has reportedly had limited contact with the organization.

ESPN.com reports that JPP will meet with the Giants' medical personnel next week at the team's facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It will then be determined when he might be able to play.

Prior to hurting himself, the two-time Pro Bowler was seeking a long-term contract. New York placed the franchise tag on him in March, and he's set to earn $14.8 million in 2015. He'll only make all of that money, however, if he signs the franchise tag tender before the start of the season.

As for getting extended, that's now very much in doubt. Pierre-Paul will be an unrestricted free agent after the season if a deal doesn't get done before then.

According to ESPN.com, the former first-round pick believes that he'll be able to play effectively despite the injury. He may have to wear a cast, however, or wrap up his right hand.

Pierre-Paul played in all 16 games for the Giants last season, recording 77 combined tackles, 12.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.