Tyler Herro returning after rib fractures

Feb 20, 2026 9:42 PM

After participating in practice Thursday, Heat guard Tyler Herro addressed reporters for the first time in several weeks and confirmed that he suffered three fractured ribs last month, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.

Herro described how difficult the recovery process had been before recently turning a corner physically.

“There’s not too much discomfort anymore compared to where I was three or four weeks ago,” he said. “I couldn’t even get out of bed. It was crazy. There was nothing I could magically do to fix my ribs. I had three fractured ribs. My ribs were in a lot of pain. Doing normal lifestyle things, I couldn’t do. There was no way I could play basketball. I can fully move how I’m supposed to now. Just focused on staying healthy the rest of the season.”

After missing Miami’s last 15 games, Herro is set to return Friday against Atlanta after being upgraded to available for the divisional matchup.

The Heat will enter the game close to full strength, with only Terry Rozier and two-way players listed as out because they are not currently with the team.

Although Herro is ready to play, he will take extra precautions upon returning.

According to Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel, he plans to wear an NFL-style flak jacket beneath his jersey to protect his ribs during games.

“They had like a sewing person come in and sew a whole new pad in for me,” Herro said. “So I got quite the flak jacket. I look like a football player almost out there. So I’m going to see how it goes, try to feel it out a little bit. Ultimately, just want to feel safe. Hopefully I just don’t get hit there and we’ll be good. But yeah, I’ll be protected.”