The Utah Jazz dropped a new update on their young big man’s status.
The Utah Jazz have now been without Walker Kessler for over a week due to suffering from a nasal fracture and entering concussion protocol, missing the team’s most recent two contests along with However, we now have a bit more clarity on Kessler’s status with just a week to go in the 2024-25 regular season campaign, with the Jazz dropping an update on their third-year big man.
”Walker Kessler sustained a nasal fracture during the first quarter vs. Houston on April 2. He also displayed concussion symptoms following the game and was entered into the concussion protocol. Today, once the nasal swelling subsided, he was examined by an ear, nose and throat doctor at University of Utah Health and it was determined that the nasal fracture will not require surgery, which allows him to continue to move forward in the concussion protocol. Updates will be provided as available.” On one hand, it’s good news to hear Kessler’s improving status by not requiring surgery on the fracture. Yet, it does lead to some lingering questions on whether this is the last we’ll see of the Jazz’s defensive anchor this season. Kessler has been in-and-out of the rotation as-is down the Jazz’s most recent stretch due to rest, largely due to the team’s big-picture tanking ambitions, but now he’ll have a hang up that really prevents him from getting back on the floor. And now with Utah being so close to the finish line, it leads you to wonder if the coaching staff opts to play it safe instead of throwing him back out. Though, if this is the end of his third year pro, it was a major statement for Kessler and his future ambitions on the roster. He’s logged career-highs in points, rebounds, and assists, while still maintaining his role as the defensive anchor this team desperately covets. It’ll be a big summer for Kessler too, as he’ll now have the opportunity to negotiate his rookie extension, and effectively ink his status within this Jazz core for the long-haul. If anything, this season should further enforce that confidence from the Utah brass to hand out that deserved money, and stamp yet another cornerstone of this rebuild into place for the foreseeable future. There’s still two more chances for Kessler to get back to action if the Jazz want to see him get one final go, but will still retain his inactive status forIn the meantime, expect to see names like Kyle Filipowski, and even two-way big man Oscar Tshiebwe to get some extended run in the final parts of this season in place of the injured Kessler.Jared Koch is the Associate Editor of The Frozen Rope — SI.com's team website covering the Utah Jazz. He's covered the NBA and NFL for the past two years, also being the Managing Editor of Inside The Kings — SI.com's team website covering the Sacramento Kings.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Zach Edey's Injury Status for Grizzlies vs JazzThe Memphis Grizzlies have listed Zach Edey on the injury report against the Utah Jazz
Read more »
Utah Jazz vs. Boston Celtics Injury ReportThe Utah Jazz are up against the reigning champions with a few absences to note.
Read more »
Lauri Markkanen's Injury Status for Jazz vs GrizzliesThe Utah Jazz listed Lauri Markkanen on the injury report against the Memphis Grizzlies
Read more »
Jaren Jackson Jr. Suffers Injury Scare in Grizzlies-JazzMemphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. suffers injury scare during Utah Jazz game
Read more »
Utah Jazz Release Massive Injury News on Jordan ClarksonThe Utah Jazz dropped a big update surrounding their veteran guard Jordan Clarkson.
Read more »
Ryan Smith of Utah Jazz, Utah Hockey Club launches new sports-tech investment fundOn Tuesday, Ryan Smith and Ryan Sweeney launched Halo Experience Co., a new investment firm that the two have founded together.
Read more »