Bucs' Pierre-Paul returns to practice, triggers 21-day activation window

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Tuesday that pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul has returned to practice while he continues to recover from a broken neck.

Pierre-Paul is eligible to be promoted to the active roster at any time during the 21-day practice window. He will be forced to miss the remainder of the 2019 NFL season if the Buccaneers do not activate him within that time frame.

Earlier reports indicated the 30-year-old wouldn't be expected to play until November at the earliest after he hurt his neck in an automobile accident in May. Pierre-Paul's career initially appeared to be in jeopardy following the accident, but his return to the practice field is an encouraging sign.

The veteran edge rusher led the Buccaneers with 12.5 sacks last year, his first in Tampa following a trade from the New York Giants. The two-time Pro Bowler has 70.5 sacks over 127 career games.