Jason Pierre-Paul returns to practice for New York Giants

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez (3) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) in the first half during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Pierre-Paul has finally returned to the practice field Wednesday for the New York Giants.  His intention is to get on the field and make his 2015 debut Sunday vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After what happened last Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, the Giants are more ready than ever to see what he can do with his partially missing finger.

Pierre-Paul is chomping at the bit himself to see what he can do and seems dead set on playing. There has been a lot of talk lately over the concern how well he’ll be able to play when he comes back. After all, a defensive lineman has to be able to use his hands more than anything to be effective.

But Pierre-Paul doesn’t seem very concerned, telling the New York Daily News, “Yeah, I want to play, but it’s up to the medical staff. Like I said, they’re taking it slowly. I’ve been able to grab and shed tackles. Skill set, (I haven’t) lost it. I haven’t lost it. I’m out there doing what I can. I can play both sides. Nothing has changed.”

One of the reasons Pierre-Paul is chomping at the bit to return is because he signed a 1-year, incentive-laden contract to do so. He can earn up to $8.7 million on his deal with a low guarantee but reachable incentives, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source.

Pierre-Paul sounds like he believes he’s going right back to form and if that’s true, now is a good time for the Giants to get him back. The Giants, at 4-4, are currently in front of the NFC East by one game in the win column. So if he’s able to come down the home stretch of the season, the Giants will go to the playoffs.

Pierre-Paul will make his incentives and a new contract at season’s end too.