Former New York Giants defenseman Justin Tuck gives updates on old teammate and protegé, Jason Pierre-Paul, whose hands were injured during the Fourth of July fireworks accident.

Pierre-Paul, the first round pick by the Giants five years ago, was admitted in a hospital after his attempt to light some fireworks during the event didn't go as planned, NFL.com earlier reported, citing sources with knowledge of the matter. Adam Schefter informed via a Twitter post that the 26-year-old football player may be seen playing on the field, "sooner than people think."

However, the recent reports that followed about JPP's medical condition looked bleak. ESPN even reported that representatives from the Giants went to Florida to check on JPP, but they were not even able to see him.

Soon, news were out that the franchise-tagged defenseman had his right index removed. Then, that was the latest information known about the player who refused to sign his franchise tender, as he was only accepting visits from family and very close friends. The New York team officials he denied to see were head athletic trainer Ronnie Barnes and special advisor Jessie Armstead, NJ.com revealed.

Tuck visits JPP, gives updates

JPP allowed his former mentor and teammate, Tuck, who is now playing for the Oakland Raiders, to visit him, NJ.com reported in another article.

"What I told JPP is go out and play football. I've been in constant conversation with JPP," Tuck said Monday at a golfing charity event.

"He is [in good spirits]. He'll be the first one to tell you he made a mistake. He's fine. He's going to have a great year... I think he will be [successful]... Once he gets used to playing again, you can't deny his athletic ability. He's a terror to block. Hopefully everything else gets healthy around him and if that is the case, 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," the veteran defensive end, who left the Giants in 2014 after nine seasons, added.

JPP's franchise tag concerns

The recuperating defenseman tallied 12.5 sacks and 24 assisted tackles last season. Pierre-Paul is hit by a franchise tender worth $14.813 in March by the Giants because of his great contribution to the team. However, JPP is inclined to not sign the deal unless he passes the team's physical examination. It will ensure that he will not be put in the non-football-injury (NFI) list, explained ESPN. Being in the NFI roster means he may not be compensated for the games he might miss this season.

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