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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants will decide whether to activate Jason Pierre-Paul on Saturday. Coach Tom Coughlin said Friday that everything is positive at this point for Pierre-Paul, but the medical staff wants to look at him one more time before clearing him to play at Tampa Bay on Sunday. Pierre-Paul has not played since losing his right index finger and injuring a couple of other fingers on the hand in a fireworks accident on July 4. The two-time Pro Bowler led the Giants with 12 1/2 sacks last season. The 26-year-old was expected to be the force on coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's new defense, a unit that has a league-low nine sacks in eight games. "I've been pleased with what I've seen this week," Coughlin said. Pierre-Paul rejoined the team last week and has practiced every day, increasing his workload this week. "He's done everything we've asked him to do, and we're very positive about it," Coughlin said. "But tomorrow we'll just work out in the morning, we'll tell you." The Giants were granted a two-game roster exemption for Pierre-Paul when he signed his contract last week. The game Sunday would be the second under the exemption. If the Giants activate Pierre-Paul, they must remove a player from their roster. If Pierre-Paul does play, it's uncertain if he will start or play as a reserve. The Giants announced Friday that cornerback Prince Amukamara (pectoral), linebackers Jon Beason (ankle/knee) and J.T. Thomas (ankle), tight end Larry Donnell (neck), and wide receiver Victor Cruz (calf) would not play Sunday. Amukamara will miss his fourth consecutive game, Beason his fourth of the season and second in a row, and Thomas will sit out his second straight game. Donnell has played in 40 consecutive games since the start of the 2013 season. Cruz has yet to play in a game this year. Amukamara practiced on a limited basis this week, but is not ready for game action. Three players are questionable: wide receiver Rueben Randle (hamstring), linebacker Uani `Unga (neck) and cornerback Leon McFadden (groin). Guard Geoff Schwartz (ankle), running back Orleans Darkwa (back) and safety Craig Dahl (neck) are probable. Game notes
Coughlin was announced as the Giants' nominee for the "Salute to Service Award presented by USAA." The award, presented annual by USAA and the NFL, honors a league member who demonstrates an exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community.
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