*Updated to include JPP return timeline.
It is being reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com that DE Jason Pierre-Paul will move forward with a non-surgical option to treat the fractured vertebrae in his neck.
After receiving several opinions on his fractured vertebra, #Bucs pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul is proceeding with the non-surgical option, sources say. As coach Bruce Arians said publicly, the hope is he plays during the 2019 season. But no surgery is planned at this point.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 10, 2019
At this point they will re-check the injury and expects to miss 5-6 months. Which would make his debut to the 2019 regular season as late as October. Per the report from Tom Pelissero.
With surgery off the table, the plan is to recheck #Bucs DE Jason Pierre-Paul's fractured vertebra at the 4-month mark, source said. The good news: Three independent doctors concurred it'll heal on its own. Expected timeline is 5-6 months, if not sooner.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 10, 2019
Earlier this week it was speculated that he could miss the entire season due to the injury and end up on the NFI list. If his recovery doesn’t come along fast enough, there is still a very real possibility that this could happen.
During Bruce Arians press conference today, he expressed hope that he will recover fast and has his “fingers crossed.”
The Tampa Bay area is hoping for sure that the team’s star defensive end will be healthy enough to continue to lead the Bucs pass rush come this Fall. If they are forced to be without their key cog, the defensive line could look dangerous thin and put a productive pass rush in jeopardy.
