Jason Pierre Paul Giants
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul's right index finger was amputated Wednesday after he suffered severe burns to his hands from an incident involving fireworks. Getty Images

New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul’s right index finger was amputated Wednesday, days removed from an incident involving fireworks. Citing medical records, ESPN reports Pierre-Paul had the procedure after consulting with his family and medical experts and believed it was the best option for his recovery and career.

A source stressed Pierre-Paul is still expected to play this season, and said his recovery could be “sooner than people think.”

Other than the role of fireworks over the Fourth of July weekend in South Florida, it's still unknown exactly how Pierre-Paul suffered the severe burns on both of his hands that resulted in the loss of a finger.

Two Giants officials, vice president of medical services Ronnie Barnes and former New York linebacker and current special assistant Jessie Armstead, reportedly tried to meet with Pierre-Paul on Monday at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami to check on him and find out more details about the incident. However, Pierre-Paul chose not to meet with either official.

ESPN’s Adam Schfter also released a photo of Pierre-Paul’s medical chart, and the New York Daily News was told by a Giants source that the team didn’t know of the amputation until ESPN’s report.

The timing of the incident couldn’t have been more unfortunate in terms of Pierre-Paul’s current contract situation with the team. The 26-year-old technically isn’t under contract with the Giants because he has yet to sign a one-year franchise tender of $14.8 million, and he and the team were in the midst of negotiating a long-term deal that would keep the pass rusher with the Giants for the foreseeable future.

After missing five games in 2013, Pierre-Paul bounced back last season to lead the Giants with 12.5 sacks and he’s considered to be one of the best young pass rushers in the NFL.