Coby White Injury Update: Will $36 Million Bulls Guard Spark a Turnaround vs. Jazz?

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White is set to make his long-awaited return from injury as the team faces the Utah Jazz on Sunday, November 16. White, who signed a $36 million contract extension, has missed the first 11 games of the 2025–26 NBA season with a strained right calf.

The Bulls, once off to a perfect 6-0 start, have stumbled into a five-game losing streak. Now, they hope the return of their starting shooting guard can reignite their offense and stabilize a team that has lost its early-season rhythm.

Coby White’s Return and Latest Injury Details

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Coby White will officially make his season debut against the Utah Jazz. White’s comeback comes after nearly a month of recovery and rehabilitation from a right calf strain that kept him sidelined through Chicago’s early November schedule.

Prime/NBA TV’s Chris Haynes reports that the 6-foot-5 North Carolina product will play under a minutes restriction as he regains game shape. Head coach Billy Donovan is expected to limit his time on the floor initially, focusing on integrating him back into the rotation without risking re-injury.

White’s return comes at a critical time. Chicago’s offense has struggled in his absence, falling in efficiency and perimeter production. White averaged 19.1 points and 4.7 assists last season, bringing consistent spacing and tempo control to the Bulls’ backcourt.

The Bulls could also see another key player return. Point guard Josh Giddey, who has missed several games with a left ankle impingement, is listed as probable for the matchup. His return, alongside White, could restore the team’s dynamic ball movement that fueled their early success.

Bulls and Jazz Injury Report

The Bulls will remain without reserve center Zach Collins, who continues to recover from a left scaphoid fracture. Guard Tre Jones is questionable with a left ankle impingement, and rookie forward Noah Essengue remains out of the rotation, receiving minimal minutes this season.

On the Utah Jazz side, center Walker Kessler is out for the season after shoulder surgery. Forwards Georges Niang and Taylor Hendricks are sidelined with foot and hamstring injuries, respectively, while Kyle Anderson is questionable with lower back soreness. Utah’s depth challenges could give Chicago an opportunity to regain momentum.

Can Coby White’s Return Help End the Bulls’ Slide?

White’s return adds shooting and pace to a team desperate for offensive balance. His ability to stretch the floor could free up Josh Giddey and DeMar DeRozan, creating better looks for a team that has struggled from deep during its losing streak.

For the Bulls, Sunday’s game represents more than a routine matchup — it’s a test of resilience. If White and Giddey can both stay healthy, Chicago may finally stabilize its rotation and recapture the early-season form that made them look like contenders.

As Coby White steps back on the court against Utah, all eyes will be on whether the $36 million guard can help the Bulls halt their slide and start climbing again in the Eastern Conference standings.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When is Coby White returning from injury?

Coby White is set to make his 2025–26 season debut on Sunday, November 16, against the Utah Jazz.

Q2: What was Coby White’s injury?

He suffered a right calf strain that sidelined him for the first 11 games of the season.

Q3: Will Coby White be on a minutes restriction?

Yes, per Chris Haynes, he will play limited minutes as he regains full game fitness.

Q4: How has Chicago performed without Coby White?

The Bulls started 6-0 but have since lost five straight games without White and Josh Giddey in the lineup.

Q5: Which other Bulls players are injured?

Zach Collins remains out with a wrist fracture, and Tre Jones is questionable with an ankle issue.