Jason Pierre-Paul Seeking Second Opinion On Neck Injury, Could Miss 5-6 Months If Surgery Required

Update:

Tom Pelissero reports that Buccaneers DE Jason Pierre-Paul is seeking a second opinion on his neck injury, and could miss 5-6 months if doctors determine that he requires surgery. 

Pelissero adds that doctors are concerned that Pierre-Paul’s injury is a fractured vertebrae in his neck. 

Pierre-Paul is reportedly sending his x-rays to multiple doctors and surgery would entail a 5-6 month recovery time. 

According to Pelissero, there is also “hope” that his injury is something that can heal “on its own” and potentially return by Week 1 of the regular season. 

The Buccaneers released the following statement regarding the news of DE Jason Pierre-Paul possibly being out for the season with a neck fracture.

“As we stated last week following the news of Jason’s auto accident, our immediate concern was for both Jason and his passenger. While Jason was treated and released in South Florida the same day of the accident, we wanted to ensure that our medical team had an opportunity to perform a thorough evaluation here in Tampa, and that process is currently ongoing.”

Adam Schefter reports that Buccaneers DE Jason Pierre-Paul suffered a potential fractured neck injury in a single-car accident last week in south Florida and could be out for the season.

• Schefter says that Pierre-Paul will visit neck specialists this week to get their opinions to see if there’s hope to save this season.
• According to Schefter, the belief is that Pierre-Paul will likley need surgery for his fractured neck.

Pierre-Paul was involved in an early-morning car accident last week and was treated at a hospital before being released. He was not cited in the one-car accident.

The Buccaneers released the following statement shortly after the car accident involving Pierre-Paul.

“We have been informed that Jason was involved in a one-car accident early this morning in South Florida in which he was not cited. We know that he was evaluated at a local hospital and has since been released. Our immediate concern is for the safety and well-being of Jason and his passenger. We have been in contact with Jason and will be getting him further evaluated by our medical staff in the near future.”

Hopefully, Pierre-Paul’s injury bad enough that he’ll miss time. However, the Buccaneers figure to be active in the free agent market for pass rush help, as they were counting on Pierre-Paul to have a big impact for them in 2019. 

Pierre-Paul, 30, is a former first-round pick of the Giants back in 2010. He played out his rookie contract with New York before agreeing to a four-year, $62 million contract that includes $40 million guaranteed.

The Giants later traded Pierre-Paul to the Buccaneers last year for third- and fourth-round picks.

Pierre-Paul stands to make base salaries of $13,250,000 (2019) and $11,250,000 (2020) over the remainder of the contract.

In 2018, Pierre-Paul appeared in 16 games for the Buccaneers and recorded 58 tackles, 12.5 sacks, a forced fumble and two pass defenses.

We’ll have more regarding Pierre-Paul as the news is available.