The Sports Xchange

New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who had his right index finger amputated as a result of a Fourth of July fireworks accident, may not sign his tender contract until he recovers.

League sources told ESPN on Friday that Pierre-Paul is unlikely to sign his $14.81 million franchise tender until he is confident he can pass the team’s physical.

If Pierre-Paul signs the tender, the Giants could put him on the non-football injury list at the start of camp. If he is on that list at the start of the regular season, he has to miss at least the first six games and the Giants could elect not to pay him for those games, according to ESPN. If Pierre-Paul doesn’t sign the tender before camp, he could prevent the team from starting him on the non-football injury list to begin the season.

Pierre-Paul has undergone multiple surgeries, including amputation of his right index finger on Wednesday and having pins inserted into his thumb to stabilize fractures, according to ESPN. A source said doctors have told Pierre-Paul the fractures will require about six weeks of healing. That timetable would not have Pierre-Paul physically capable of returning until the Giants’ second preseason game at the earliest, according to the report.

Pierre-Paul currently has a one-year, $14.8 million offer on the table as the Giants’ franchise player. The deadline for franchised players to agree to long-term contracts is July 15. If a deal can’t be reached by that date, Pierre-Paul would have to play under his tender, unless the Giants decide to withdraw it.

The Giants reportedly pulled a long-term offer worth at least $60 million on Monday. The initial report of the contract being off the table claimed concerns over Pierre-Paul’s judgment and health.

However, the Giants fully intend to have Pierre-Paul on their roster for the 2015 season, a person with knowledge of the situation told NJ.com

The accident occurred at Pierre-Paul’s home in the Miami area. Neighbors said Pierre-Paul rented a U-Haul van and filled it with fireworks, making his plans for a major display known to neighbors.

Pierre-Paul’s family turned away the Giants’ athletic trainer, who flew down from New York, at the hospital and also declined the team’s offer to connect the defensive end with hand specialists in New York City.

The 26-year-old Pierre-Paul was the team’s leader in sacks last season with 12.5, including nine in the final five weeks. The 15th overall pick in the 2010 draft, Pierre-Paul has 42 sacks in 75 games.