Jason Pierre-Paul is back.
The New York Giants announced Sunday afternoon the pass rusher is active and will play against the Buccaneers.
It was a move that has been expected this week after JPP returned to practice. The pass rusher missed eight games following surgery to amputate his right index finger, stemming from a Fourth of July fireworks mishap.
Last week, JPPsigned a one-year, incentive-laden contract worth up to $8.7 million. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the incentives were based on Pierre-Paul playing seven games. Returning to the field Sunday means he'll have eight games to reach those goals.
Coach Tom Coughlin raved about his pass rusher this week.
"JPP is in outstanding physical condition so we feel good about accelerating him along," Coughlin said Wednesday.
Pierre-Paul has been confident about playing this week and believes he will be even better than before suffering the devastating hand injury, saying, "there's nothing I can't do."
It's unclear how much JPP will play Sunday or whether the Giants will monitor his snap count. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said this week it was unfair to view the pass rusher as a savior for the Giants' defense.
Pierre-Paul compiled 12.5 sacks in 2014.
In a corresponding move Saturday, the Giants waived defensive tackle Louis Nix. They also placed linebacker Jon Beason on season-ending injured reserve. This will be the fifth time in six seasons that Beason will play no more than five games.
