Dylan Cardwell is day-to-day with a calf issue after sitting out practice Monday, a shift from the rest-related day-to-day tag he carried into the weekend. His status is now in question for Sacramento's season opener Tuesday against the Trail Blazers.
What happened
The Kings listed Dylan Cardwell as day-to-day on Monday, Oct. 12 at 4:53 PM ET, with a calf and leg issue. He had already been day-to-day on Saturday, Oct. 10, but that designation was tied to rest, not the calf. James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reported Cardwell did not practice Monday because of the calf. The official report lists an expected return of Oct. 13, the same day as Sacramento's opener.
What it means for the Kings
Sacramento opens its 2026-27 season Tuesday at 10:00 PM ET against the Trail Blazers, with the team's record sitting at 0-0 since the season has not started. Last season Cardwell averaged 5.4 points and 7.5 rebounds in 20.6 minutes across 44 games as a backup center. The Kings already list starting center Maxime Raynaud as out with a knee issue, and Domantas Sabonis is day-to-day with an undisclosed issue, so center minutes are squeezed if Cardwell also sits. There is no record-with-or-without split yet since no regular-season games have been played.
What to watch
The official report lists Cardwell's expected return as Oct. 13, the date of the opener against Portland, so his next update should come close to tip-off. Sacramento will also be watching Raynaud, already ruled out with a knee issue, and Sabonis, who is day-to-day with an undisclosed issue on the same report. A new injury report is expected before Tuesday's game.
Is Dylan Cardwell playing vs the Trail Blazers?
He is listed day-to-day with a calf and leg issue as of Monday's report. He has not been ruled out, and the official expected return date is Oct. 13, the day of the game.
When will Dylan Cardwell be back?
The official injury report lists his expected return as Oct. 13, 2026. No further timeline has been announced.