Turns out, Giants outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul wasn't the only NFL player who was injured by fireworks over the July 4th holiday. Buccaneers cornerback C.J. Wilson "suffered a severe hand injury," according to the Tampa Tribune's Roy Cummings, who received confirmation from Wilson's agent.
Wilson's hometown newspaper in North Carolina is reporting that the corner's injury is extremely serious. Sources close to the family told the Lincoln Times-News that Wilson lost two fingers in the fireworks mishap on Saturday.
Although Wilson's agent didn't confirm the severity of the injury, he did confirm that Wilson had been injured.
"As we are dealing with a medical issue, we are in contact with the ball club as well and they are taking the lead on any information to the public regarding his condition or anything football-related," agent Joel Turner told ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio on Wednesday. "With federal law on releasing medical information, etc., we are deferring any media issues to the Tampa Bay medical staff/front office."
The Buccaneers have also released a statement:
"We are aware that C.J. was involved in an accident that occurred over the July 4th holiday. It is our understanding that the injury occurred to one of his hands and our primary concern at this moment is for his long-term health. We have been in contact with C.J. and are continuing to monitor the situation."
There have been reports that Pierre-Paul, who also suffered a hand injury, could miss the start of the regular season, and that the Giants have rescinded the $60 million contract they had on the table.
Meanwhile, Wilson, 25, played in two games for the Bucs last season after spending a season with the Bears. He went undrafted out of NC State in 2013.