How Pro Football Player Reportedly Injured Hand on Fourth of July Could End Up Causing More Pain in His Wallet

New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul reportedly injured one or both of his hands during a fireworks mishap Saturday, EPSN said.

Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the New York Giants looks on against the Indianapolis Colts on November 3, 2014, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Image source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

TMZ.com reported that the 26-year-old hurt his thumb and some fingers of one hand.

Bleacher Report NFL Insider Jason Cole confirmed the injury. Pierre-Paul was hospitalized and being evaluated to determine the extent of the injury, ESPN said. Sources said it didn't appear to be career-threatening.

But the Pro Bowler hasn't yet signed the team's one-year, $14.8 million franchise-tag tender — which means he's not under contract at the moment, ESPN said.

For those asking, yes a team can pull a franchise tag tender at any time. Player immediately becomes an unrestricted free agent

— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) July 5, 2015

But even if Pierre-Paul had signed the tender, things wouldn't necessarily be locked up for him due to the way he was injured.

Even if signed the non-football injury aspect would allow the team to void a contract or ask for better terms

— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) July 5, 2015

Here's Pierre-Paul on an Instagram video just prior to the fireworks:

A video posted by Jason Pierre-Paul (@iamjasonpierrepaul) on Jul 4, 2015 at 4:31pm PDT

The former first-round draft pick started all 16 games, had 12.5 sacks and forced three fumbles last season, ESPN said.

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