New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has claimed that he is "just getting warmed up" after his second game back following a hand injury.
The 26-year-old Pierre-Paul had his right index finger amputated after badly damaging his right hand in a fireworks accident on July 4, but returned to action against Tampa Bay last weekend.
After starting Sunday's defeat to New England Patriots with a glove before switching back to the oversized mitten-like club he favoured last week, he insisted that he feels good again for the first time since his injury.
"I am just getting warmed up," he told reporters. "Next game will be better. I feel more comfortable with the club. Time is everything, soon I will be playing with the glove.
"I am staying up here [in New Jersey during the Giants' bye week] and keeping my mind focused and getting ready for the next game. [I will] watch film, first this film to see what I did, what can I correct, and start studying the next team.
"Physically I am good. I think that I am in good shape. I am just happy to be out there. Every game, I am getting better."
After their bye week, NFC East leaders Giants next face Washington Redskins on Sunday, November 29.