Fighting Jazz will have to wait at least two more weeks to receive Yusuf Nurkich back in action.
The Jazz introduced an update (Link to Twitter) on the veteran center’s status Friday after he was re-evaluated by the medical staff regarding the right toe injury he suffered in an Oct. 4 preseason game against Denver. According to the club, he is making progress and starting to participate in on-field activities. It will be reassessed in two weeks.
Shortly after the injury, the team took place announced he will be out for at least four weeks. He suffered a partial tear of the plantar plate of the second toe of his right foot.
Nurkic, 32, became Utah’s primary center last season Walker Kesslershoulder injury. Nurkic was limited to 41 games, but he started 36 and averaged 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 26.4 minutes per night while shooting 50.3% from the field.
Nurkic, who was acquired in a trade with Charlotte before last season, resigned with Utah on a two-year, $22 million contract in July. He earns $11.5 million this season and $10.5 million in 2027/28.
Now Kesler is with the Lakers and Nurkic is out, a free agent addition Jackson Hayes started five of the team’s eight games at center. The Jazz are off to a 1-7 start and are also missing another key big man, Jaren Jackson Jr He is expected to miss at least the rest of this month after that suffering torn MCL in right knee four games into season.