Jason Pierre-Paul, Giants GM Jerry Reese spoke on phone Sunday

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Almost a month after Jason Pierre-Paul lost his index finger in a fireworks accident, relations between the defensive end and the New York Giants may be starting to thaw.

Giants general manager Jerry Reese revealed Monday morning on WFAN radio in New York that he spoke by phone with Pierre-Paul on Sunday and has been in touch with his agents.

Reese said "Nothing's set yet" when asked about a timetable for Pierre-Paul to return to the team, but the fact that the sides are talking indicates things could start to move in that direction soon.

"It was a personal conversation," Reese said. "I want to keep it private between him and I, and we'll leave it at that. It was a good conversation."

Despite Reese's comments, a source close to the situation told ESPN that there has been "no change" in Pierre-Paul's situation and that there is no timetable for his return to the team.

Last week, Giants owner John Mara expressed frustration about Pierre-Paul's absence and his refusal to see team trainer Ronnie Barnes when Barnes went to visit him in the hospital. Reese's public message has been softer and more conciliatory.

"When something like that happens, you really don't want to see anybody," Reese told WFAN. "I get it. So we're not pissed off. We're not mad about any of it. We just want to say, 'We're here for you. We want you to get well. Whatever resources we can offer you, that's what we want to do.'"

After practice Monday, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he still hadn't spoken with Pierre-Paul since the accident.

"As long as he's talking to Jerry or somebody in the building, it looks like there's a chance that the communication can open up," Coughlin said. "If it does, I'll get on the phone with him, I'm sure."

The key to a resolution ultimately will be financial. Pierre-Paul has yet to sign his $14.813 million franchise tender because once he does, the Giants can place him on the non-football injury list and elect not to pay him for games missed.

Before Pierre-Paul returns to the Giants and signs his tender, he and the team have to reach an agreement about how much money he'll be guaranteed this year. They will have to agree on how many games he's expected to play and then prorate that $14.813 million number accordingly, with the team promising to pay him the full amount on which they end up agreeing.

Until that's settled, it's unlikely Pierre-Paul will be at camp. But Reese's public comments Monday on the radio indicate that the right kinds of conversations may be starting to happen.