The Jusuf Nurkic injury will keep the Utah Jazz center sidelined for at least four weeks after he suffered a partial plantar plate tear of the second toe in his right foot, according to Bleacher Report. The timeline puts Nurkic’s status in question for the opening weeks of Utah’s season as he enters his 13th NBA campaign and second with the Jazz.
What The Report Said
Nurkic, 32, is dealing with a partial plantar plate tear, a specific injury to the second toe on his right foot, per Bleacher Report. The outlet reported he will be out at least four weeks, though no firm return date has been set. No surgery or treatment plan has been disclosed.
Who Fills In At Center
With Nurkic out, Mo Bamba and Jaxson Hayes are competing for backup center minutes behind him, according to CBS Sports. That competition now carries added weight with Utah’s starting center sidelined for at least a month to open the season. Neither player has been named the starter in Nurkic’s absence based on available reporting.
Nurkic’s Role Last Season
Nurkic appeared in 41 games last season, making 36 starts, and averaged 10.9 points on 50.3% shooting to go with 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 26.4 minutes per game. The 6-foot-11, 290-pound center has served as a primary rebounding and playmaking presence in Utah’s frontcourt rotation since joining the team.
What’s Next
No specific return date has been announced for Nurkic beyond the four-week minimum timeline reported by Bleacher Report. Utah will rely on the Bamba-Hayes center rotation to cover frontcourt minutes until Nurkic is cleared to return. Fans can track roster moves tied to the Jazz center position, including the team’s recent decision on Jaelen House after the G League season, as Utah continues filling out its depth chart.
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