Chris Youngblood has been ruled out for Friday's game at Sacramento with a left ankle injury, a downgrade from day-to-day. The injury report lists Oct. 27 as his expected return date.
What happened
The Trail Blazers downgraded guard Chris Youngblood from day-to-day to out on Thursday's injury report, filed at 8:11 p.m. ET on Oct. 22. The injury is to his left ankle. The report's comment: "Youngblood (ankle) is out for Friday's game against the Kings." His status has gone back and forth this month. He was day-to-day with a left calf issue on Oct. 12 and Oct. 13. He was ruled out with the ankle injury on Oct. 20, then moved back to day-to-day earlier on Oct. 22, before Thursday night's downgrade.
What it means for the Trail Blazers
Portland plays at Sacramento on Friday, Oct. 23, at 10 p.m. ET. The Blazers are 1-0 after winning their opener, and they won that game without Youngblood. He played a small role last season: 34 games, 5.4 minutes, 2.1 points, 0.8 rebounds and 0.4 assists a game. The guard minutes are already spoken for. Without him, Damian Lillard played 23.9 minutes and scored 25 points, Ja Morant played 22.6 minutes and scored 14, Jrue Holiday played 20.6 and Scoot Henderson played 19.3. Sidy Cissoko led the team at 25.1 minutes. Shaedon Sharpe (right knee) and Branden Carlson (concussion) are also out.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether anything changes in his status. The report lists Oct. 27 as his expected return date, so Friday's game at Sacramento is the one he is set to miss. His status has changed several times this month, so watch the reports leading up to Oct. 27. Sharpe and Carlson are also out, which leaves Portland short on bodies.
Is Chris Youngblood playing at Kings on Friday, Oct. 23?
No. The injury report lists him as out for Friday's game at Sacramento with a left ankle injury.
When will Chris Youngblood be back?
The injury report lists Oct. 27 as his expected return date.