Report: Pierre-Paul opts against surgery for neck injury

After listening to several opinions regarding the fractured vertebra he suffered in a single-vehicle car crash on May 2, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is proceeding with a non-surgical remedy, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Head coach Bruce Arians said Friday the team is holding out hope Pierre-Paul won't have to miss the entire 2019 season.

"We've got our fingers crossed and praying for him," Arians said, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. "It's very unfortunate. And all we can do is pray and hope for the best and hope it's one of those five- or six-month things and go from there."

Three independent doctors told Pierre-Paul the injury will heal on its own and the recovery timeline is five-to-six months, if not sooner, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports.

Pierre-Paul sustained the neck injury when he lost control of his vehicle and it slammed into a concrete barrier. The Florida Highway Patrol report says Pierre-Paul initially reported his condition as "apparently normal." He was released from hospital in less than 24 hours.

Upon learning of the neck fracture, it was believed Pierre-Paul would have to miss the 2019 season.

The 30-year-old veteran led the team with 12.5 sacks in 2018. His absence is a substantial blow to a defense that has few established pass-rushers aside from interior defender Gerald McCoy, whom the team is rumored to be potentially parting ways with.