Detroit Pistons: Reggie Jackson closer to return but still week-to-week
By Zac Snyder
Reggie Jackson has been out since late December with an ankle injury but the Detroit Pistons have a few more weeks to wait for his return.
If the Detroit Pistons are to make a run to the playoffs, they will need a healthy Reggie Jackson back in the lineup. Jackson has been out with a severe ankle injury since December 26 but is getting closer to a return.
The Pistons released the following update to his status today.
"Jackson has been cleared to begin light running, shooting and continued ankle strengthening exercises. The Detroit Pistons medical staff will monitor progress throughout the week in anticipation of beginning an escalation process towards resuming normal basketball activities."
The statement concludes by saying that there is no timetable for a return to practice or a game but it is clear things remain on the order of weeks rather than days.
Jackson needing to be monitored this week as he ramps up activities means at least a few days before he returns to practice, then probably another week or so of just practice to continue testing the health of his ankle and beginning to regain his conditioning.
Two weeks seems like a safe bet for the earliest we could see Jackson back on the floor for the Pistons and that could be the perfect time. After a tough first nine-game stretch out of the All-Star break that includes games against the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors twice, the Pistons then head out on a six-game road trip against Western Conference opponents starting on March 13.
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Currently in ninth place in the East and a game and a half back of the Miami Heat for the final playoff spot, the Pistons could find themselves in do-or-die territory on that six game roadie. Just ten regular season games will remain after that trip ends.