It only took two preseason games for the first injury to strike the Utah Jazz, as scoring talisman Gordon Hayward is expected to be sidelined for six weeks after dislocating and breaking a finger on his left hand, according to the team.
Bad news. Gordon Hayward suffered a dislocated and broken finger on his left hand. He's expected to miss six weeks, according to sources.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) October 7, 2016
Jazz announce Gordon Hayward fractured fourth finger on his left hand at practice today
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) October 7, 2016
Hayward is coming off a career year where he averaged 19.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while getting 80 starts for the team. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks and is expected to miss about 13 regular season games if the recovery timeline holds true.
The 26-year-old has been the one consistent chip in Utah's table as he logged 443 of 476 potential appearances throughout his six-year career.
Joe Johnson figures to get the nod to start in his place, as the veteran presence in an otherwise young lineup. Shooting guards Rodney Hood and Alec Burks along with role-playing forward Joe Ingles will likely see increased minutes if slated to play the small forward position for the duration of Hayward's absence.
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