Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. suffered a turf toe injury in his right foot during an offsite basketball workout and will undergo a surgical procedure, the team confirmed Tuesday.
The news arrives just two days after Jackson agreed to a five-year, $240 million contract extension with the franchise.
According to the team statement, the injury occurred during a “live basketball run” and was evaluated by specialists, who determined that surgery would be necessary.
“The Memphis Grizzlies today provided the following medical update on Grizzlies forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr.: While participating in a live basketball run offsite, Jackson Jr. sustained a turf toe injury in his right foot, which upon expert evaluation yesterday, was determined to require a procedure to repair,” the statement read.
An official timeline for recovery will be shared after the procedure, but the organization added that the 25-year-old is expected to make a full recovery.
Injury analyst Jeff Stotts explained that turf toe involves a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the big toe, often requiring surgery if the plantar plate is ruptured.
Stotts noted that similar injuries have sidelined NBA players like Blake Griffin and Myles Turner for an average of about three months post-surgery.
Jackson, who averaged 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks last season, was Memphis’ defensive anchor and a key reason the team earned the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.
Jackson, a former Defensive Player of the Year, had just solidified his long-term status with the franchise days earlier.
Now, Memphis will enter the offseason awaiting the outcome of his upcoming surgery and the projected recovery window that will follow.
