The Denver Nuggets suffered a significant setback after rising star Michael Porter Jr. went down with a back injury. He is expected to be out for the “foreseeable future,” adding another setback to a team already missing the services of Jamal Murray (torn ACL).

This leaves Nikola Jokic as the only star that is healthy for Denver. With that said, they will need role players to step up during Porter Jr.'s absence to stay in the playoff race. The Western Conference has many talented teams, and it will be a tight battle for spots in the postseason.

Here are three Nuggets players who need to play better in wake of MPJ's injury.

Nuggets players that need to step up

3. Will Barton

The Nuggets have an uphill climb with the injuries they are facing. Over the past few seasons, Will Barton has been a key role player for Denver, and they will need him to elevate his play. Barton has had a great start to the season, averaging 16.2 points per game along with 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists.

He is also shooting efficiently from three at 39.7 percent. Barton has already elevated his game, but he will need to be consistent to help the Nuggets stay on track.

2. Monte Morris

Monte Morris has emerged as the starter for Denver with Murray still sidelined. He has yet to step into a more prominent role as he is putting up similar numbers to last season. Morris is averaging 10.9 points per game along with 3.8 assists.

He's also shooting a low percentage from three at 30 percent. Morris doesn't need to put up star numbers in scoring, but he must become a better playmaker.

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1. Aaron Gordon

One of the biggest trades at the deadline last season was the Nuggets acquiring Aaron Gordon. Now, AG needs to improve vastly to help them pick up some wins moving forward. He is only averaging 12.0 points per game along with 5.9 rebounds. Gordon is shooting a low 29 percent from behind the arc.

He has all the tools to be a reliable scorer for the Nuggets, and they need him to fill that role.

Denver has a tough road ahead to make it to the postseason in the highly contested Western Conference. The Nuggets are currently 6-4, with reigning MVP Jokic carrying the team. Jokic is averaging 25.4 points per game as well as 13.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists.

He is also shooting very efficiently from the field at 60.9 percent and 40 percent from three. Jokic needs to improve his assist numbers as he is one of the best playmaking centers of all time. In order for this to happen, he needs his teammates to start making more shots as well.

This will be a key factor for the offense to improve while their key players in Murray and Porter Jr. out. The West is loaded with contenders, including the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns.

It will be difficult for the Nuggets to keep up with these teams, especially with two of their top three players out. With that, it should be the “next man up” mentality for the squad.