Darius Garland Injury Update: Cavs Coach Confirms Return Nearing After G League Scrimmage

Darius Garland is on the verge of making his long-awaited season debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Head coach Kenny Atkinson gave an encouraging update before Friday’s 112–101 loss to the Toronto Raptors, confirming that Garland has completed full shootaround and G League scrimmage work with no setbacks.

The 25-year-old guard has been sidelined since undergoing offseason toe surgery following an injury sustained during last year’s playoffs. Atkinson told reporters that Garland has shown strong progress and could return soon, describing his recent workouts as “really close” to game-ready.

Darius Garland’s Recovery Progress Shows Major Step Forward

Garland’s latest milestone included scrimmaging with the Cavaliers’ G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge. According to Atkinson, the sessions were structured to mirror live game intensity and test Garland’s conditioning under pressure. “He had some really good scrimmage time with the G League team,” Atkinson said. “There’s been no setbacks, not even any soreness or anything.”

Before his injury, Garland averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists per game while leading the Cavs to a 65-win season and a top seed in the Eastern Conference. His return would bring much-needed stability to a team currently managing multiple injuries. Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, and Sam Merrill have all missed games due to various ailments, forcing Cleveland’s rotation into constant flux.

As of Saturday, the Cavaliers sit at 3–3, ranking 11th in the East. Their offensive rhythm has been inconsistent without Garland’s playmaking, and his potential return could provide an immediate boost to spacing and tempo. Atkinson noted that the team will evaluate Garland’s workload in the coming days before making a formal decision on his debut date.

Cavs Look to Stabilize Amid Early-Season Injury Woes

The Cavs have endured a frustrating start to the 2025–26 season, dealing with injuries across the roster. Mitchell’s hamstring issue, Allen’s finger fracture, and Strus’s foot soreness have all limited playing time for key contributors. Cleveland’s bench, including Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro, has shouldered increased responsibility during Garland’s absence.

Garland’s leadership and offensive efficiency have been sorely missed. His ability to create shots and facilitate ball movement is central to the Cavs’ system. If he continues to respond well to practice intensity, fans could see him back on the court within the next week.

With no reported setbacks and a positive update from Atkinson, Darius Garland’s return appears imminent — a major lift for Cleveland’s playoff hopes early in the NBA season.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When will Darius Garland return for the Cavaliers?

Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said Garland is “really close” to returning after full scrimmage work with the G League team. A debut could come within days.

Q2: What injury did Darius Garland suffer?

He underwent offseason toe surgery following an injury sustained in last year’s playoffs.

Q3: How have the Cavs performed without Darius Garland?

Cleveland has started the season 3–3, struggling with offensive consistency due to multiple injuries to key players.

Q4: What did Kenny Atkinson say about Garland’s progress?

Atkinson said Garland completed G League scrimmages with no soreness or setbacks, describing his return as “really close.”

Q5: Who has stepped up in Garland’s absence?

Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert have taken on more playmaking duties, while Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade have filled supporting roles.