Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul was back on the training field with his New York Giants teammates for the first time since injuring his right hand in a July 4 fireworks mishap.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin said there's no timetable as yet on when Pierre-Paul will be ready to play.

The team is planning to bring him along slowly, with input from its medical staff as well as coaches.

Pierre-Paul and the team were at odds in September, with the player insisting he was ready to return after losing a finger in the accident and club personnel disagreeing.

Coughlin said Pierre-Paul's teammates were glad to have him back among them.

"We are all rooting for him to be honest with you," the coach said. "He's anxious to play right now."

Coughlin also said he might let Pierre-Paul travel with the team when they face the New Orleans Saints this weekend, although he usually doesn't take injured players on the road.

"Do I want him in the environment of competitiveness? Yes," Coughlin said.

On his first day back since last season ended, Pierre-Paul stood with a team trainer, occasionally doing sprints at the back of the end zone during the part of practice that was open to the media.

Coughlin said the Giants hope Pierre-Paul is right in thinking his damaged right hand -- from which he lost his index finger -- won't affect his play.

"I'm hoping he's as good as (ever)," Coughlin said, adding "He'll use that hand basically as he always has, not necessarily as a grabber but as a club."
Source: AFP