Jason Pierre-Paul surgery termed 'successful'

The New York Giants said this afternoon that the back surgery undergone Tuesday morning by star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul was "successful" and that "recovery and rehabilitation is anticipated to be approximately 12 weeks."

Pierre-Paul, 24, had the surgery to repair a herniated disc in his lower back. The surgery was performed by Dr. Robert Watkins at Marina Del Rey Hospital in Marina Del Rey, Calif. Is recovery estimates are accurate that would put Pierre-Paul on target to possibly be available for the season-opener Sept. 8 against the Dallas Cowboys.

"Jason has been experiencing lower back pain that past couple months," said Ronnie Barnes, Giants Sr. Vice President of Medical Services. "He has managed the discomfort with treatment and core strengthening exercises. Last week, he was examined by Drs. Russell Warren and Frank Cammisa at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Both felt this procedure was the most prudent course of action. Dr. Watkins, after examining Jason yesterday, agreed. We expect a full and complete recovery."

"My back has been bothering me for a while, and even last season I played through some back issues," said Pierre-Paul. "The treatment I’ve been doing has helped manage the issue, but this procedure is going to get me fully healthy and there should be no more pain. I’m going to do everything the doctors tell me to do during my rehab so I can be back playing the game I love at a high level as quickly as possible."

Pierre-Paul, entering his fourth season, has been named to the Pro Bowl twice and was All-Pro in 2011. His sack total dropped from 16.5 in 2011 to 6.5 in 2012, possibly due in part to the back issues.