The Sports Xchange

New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul “severely injured” his hand in a fireworks accident in South Florida on Saturday night, according to reports.

Miami WINZ radio host Andy Slater was the first to report the news on Twitter.

“Big Jason Pierre-Paul story about to break in S. Fla,” Slater tweeted “He severely injured hand in fireworks accident.”

The 26-year-old Pierre-Paul is a Deerfield Beach, Fla., native and played college football at the University of South Florida.

An image claiming to show Pierre-Paul’s van filled with fireworks before the reported accident was tweeted on Saturday, along with other tweets claiming to have seen Pierre-Paul lighting fireworks.

Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole and FOX Sports’ Mike Garafolo tweeted confirmations that Pierre-Paul sustained a hand injury in a fireworks accident. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Pierre-Paul’s hand was treated in a hospital.

Pierre-Paul, the No. 15 pick in the 2010 draft and two-time Pro Bowl selection, recorded 77 tackles, 12.5 sacks and three forced fumbles for the Giants last season. He has collected 286 tackles, 42 sacks, two interceptions and two touchdowns during his career. He had 16.5 sacks during the team’s 2011 Super Bowl season.

Back and shoulder injuries limited his playing time in 2012 and 2013 as he made a total of 8.5 sacks over those two years.

The Giants placed their franchise tag on Pierre-Paul in March, guaranteeing he will make at least $14.8 million next season unless the two sides agree on a longer-term deal by July 15.