Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul helped the New York Giants with their defense in team's win versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

ESPN said Pierre-Paul played 18 of the team's first snaps on Sunday's game upon returning to the game after he injured his hands during a July 4 fireworks incident.

He was seen wearing a gray wrap around his hand during the game.

It added that the returning player was a very effective player especially in terms of defense since "he has been active and physical in the run game and has given the left tackle a hard time on occasion even using just his left arm."

Despite his previous injury, the New York Times noted that his steady defense was a big help to the Giants' 32-18 win.

It noted that he was able to pressure Buccaneers' rookie quarterback Jameis Winston during the last quarter of the game.

"I was not perfect out there. But at the end of the game, I think we were getting enough pressure to make their quarterback feel uncomfortable," Pierre-Paul added.

He was also praised by Giants coach Tom Coughlin, who recognised his improving performance.

"He's just going to keep getting better and better," the coach added in the New York Times report.

The defensive end was wounded in a fireworks accident during a July 4 celebration with his right index finger surgically removed.

The New York Daily News released photos of his injured hand showing that the tip of his thumb could also be missing.

Despite his state, the Giants did not immediately rule him out with Yahoo Sports explaining that team officials studied the extent of damage on his hand.

"While the team had placed a franchise tag on him in the offseason, Pierre-Paul never signed the tender and is, at the moment, unsigned," added the same report.

In an earlier post on his Instagram account, Pierre-Paul reposted a photo released by New York Daily News with the caption "They trying so hard to bring me down, but it won't work, I'm still the best and will always be the best at what I do! God has the last say so on my future. #90PC"

He also shared a video of him training hard noting that he is set to return soon.

"God can turn any situation around for the better. Your hard times will lead to the best times of your life. Don't believe the hype ... Be back soon! #90PC #ImAFighter #PutMeInCoach," he posted along with the workout video.