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It’s hard to play American football with just eight fingers, but that’s what C.J. Wilson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers plans on doing once his recent hand injury has healed. The cornerback recently lost two of his fingers in a fireworks accident on the American Fourth of July holiday. Wilson realizes he won’t be ready to play when the upcoming 2015 season kicks off, but he plans on returning to the NFL at a later date.

Wilson just released a press statement which said he’ll be taking some time off from his football career in the immediate future while he recovers. The statement was released through his agents and it said, “On behalf of C.J. Wilson, he has decided to step away from the NFL at this time to focus on his immediate needs in recovery which are the foundation of his long-term health. When CJ is fully healed and able to return to the game, he will then continue his career at that time.”

According to Curtis Wilson Sr., who is Wilson’s father, his son lost the index and middle fingers of his right hand when he was holding a fireworks canister during celebrations. The fireworks exploded unexpectedly while he was holding the canister and took his two fingers off. Wilson’s agents are adamant though that their 25-year-oldclient will return to the NFL. They said the player is in good spirits despite the accident and is determined to work his way back to the Tampa Bay roster.

Wilson signed a year-long contract with the Chicago Bears in 2013 after going undrafted. He then spent most of last year with Tampa Bay’s practice squad before he earned promotion to the active roster by December. He appeared the Tampa’s final two games of the campaign and was credited with completing four tackles. The NFL club has now placed Wilson on the squad’s reserve/retired list.

Ironically the same day Wilson lost his fingers, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul of the New York Giants also injured his hand during a fireworks accident on the same day. Pierre-Paul sustained a fractured thumb on his right hand and doctors had to amputate the index finger. It’s believed Pierre Paul will be back in action with the Giants some time during the upcoming season since his injuries aren’t considered career threatening.