Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jason Pierre-Paul opts out of surgery

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has decided to forego surgery in order to get back to the field sooner.

Last week, it was stated Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul may miss the season due to a fracture in his neck after wrecking his car into a median. Today it was publicly stated by head coach Bruce Arians that Pierre-Paul, after consultation with team doctors, has decided to opt out of surgery.

Had Pierre-Paul opted to undergo surgery he would have missed the entire 2019 season. With this non-surgical route, it is expected he will miss five to six months, putting him at a return to the field in October or November. This is a piece of good news to the city of Tampa Bay after the news Kendell Beckwith will miss another full season and his career is likely over.

Pierre-Paul was the Buccaneers’ leader in sacks in 2018 and with the likelihood of Gerald McCoy exiting from Tampa Bay being high, having JPP available halfway through the season will be a huge boost. Last year Pierre-Paul tallied 12.5 sacks, 16 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, and 20 hits on the quarterback in his first season in the pewter and red.

In his absence, Carl Nassib, Noah Spence, and Anthony Nelson will be expected to pick up his slack and fill the void left by Pierre-Paul. Two of the three are in contract years and could play themselves into future earnings while Nelson has a chance to make a name for himself right away.

While it is a risky decision for Pierre-Paul to choose to neglect surgery, his presence could be prove to be crucial should the Buccaneers be deep in competition for an NFC South title. For now, Pierre-Paul will begin rehabbing and look to get back to the field as soon as possible.