Ja Morant Injury Update: Grizzlies Star Sidelined Week-to-Week with Left Ankle Sprain

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has suffered a left ankle sprain and is officially listed as “week-to-week,” the team confirmed on October 6. The injury occurred during practice on October 5 and immediately impacts Memphis’ preseason plans and possibly their regular season opener.

The setback means Morant will miss the Grizzlies’ preseason opener against the Detroit Pistons on October 6. His availability for the highly anticipated regular season tip-off on October 22 against the New Orleans Pelicans is now uncertain.

Ja Morant Injury Timeline and Team’s Response

The Grizzlies announced the update through a team spokesperson, who confirmed Morant’s status after the practice incident. The All-Star guard had made staying healthy a key goal heading into the 2025–26 season after multiple injury-plagued years. Morant missed 32 regular-season games last year and was unavailable for Memphis’ Game 4 playoff loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also played just nine games in the 2023–24 campaign due to a shoulder injury.

Memphis’ injury report is now extensive. Along with Morant, the team is also missing key contributors: rookie Zach Edey (ankle procedure), forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (toe surgery), and Brandon Clarke (knee procedure). Edey and Clarke are already ruled out for the start of the season, while Jackson’s return remains uncertain.

In Morant’s absence, newly signed guard Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. are expected to take over most of the point guard duties during the preseason. Rookie Javon Small is also set to get opportunities to showcase his skills. The Grizzlies, who traded Desmond Bane and reshaped their roster to build around Morant and Jackson, now face early lineup challenges as their top stars recover.

Impact on the Grizzlies’ Season Plans

This injury raises questions about Memphis’ ability to start strong in a highly competitive Western Conference. The Grizzlies have invested heavily in surrounding Morant with a roster that complements his explosive playmaking and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s defensive presence. Losing both players in October puts pressure on young guards and new signings to step up.

For Morant, the timing is especially disappointing. After publicly stating that durability and availability were his main goals this year, this setback could delay his progress. It may also affect the Grizzlies’ early-season chemistry and put them at risk of a slow start, especially with challenging matchups on the horizon.

While the injury is not considered season-ending, Morant’s week-to-week status will keep fans and analysts watching closely. His return will play a critical role in how the Grizzlies perform in the opening stretch of the 2025–26 NBA season.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest Ja Morant injury update?

Ja Morant suffered a left ankle sprain on October 5 and is listed as week-to-week, missing the preseason opener.

Q2: Will Ja Morant play in the Grizzlies’ season opener?

His status for the October 22 game against the New Orleans Pelicans is currently uncertain.

Q3: Who will replace Ja Morant while he is injured?

Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. are expected to handle most point guard minutes, with rookie Javon Small also in the mix.

Q4: How many games did Ja Morant miss last season?

He missed 32 regular-season games and was out for the team’s Game 4 playoff loss against the Thunder.

Q5: Which other Grizzlies players are injured?

Zach Edey, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Brandon Clarke are also sidelined with various procedures and injuries.