Jason Pierre-Paul Won’t Undergo Surgery, Bucs Hoping He’ll Return In 5-6 Months

Ian Rapoport reports that after receiving several opinions on his fractured vertebra, Buccaneers DE Jason Pierre-Paul is proceeding with the non-surgical option.

Earlier in the day, Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians told reporters that they’re hoping Pierre-Paul can play this season and return in five or six months. 

“No, I think that’s still ongoing and like (general manager) Jason (Licht) said, you know, we’ve got our fingers crossed and praying for him,’’ Arians said. “It’s very unfortunate. And all we can do is pray and hope for the best and hope it’s one of those five or six month things and go from there.”

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.

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.