The Memphis Grizzlies opened the week with another setback, announcing Monday that Ja Morant will miss at least two weeks after suffering a strained right calf. The injury occurred early in Saturday’s loss in Cleveland, a game that saw the All-Star guard exit after just six minutes.

Morant managed seven points before feeling tightness in the calf, the latest in a string of lower-leg issues after missing Wednesday’s matchup in Boston due to right ankle soreness. Memphis expects to re-evaluate him in approximately two weeks, leaving his return timeline fluid as the team pushes into a demanding stretch.

The timing is particularly challenging with Memphis scheduled to visit San Antonio on Tuesday night. The Grizzlies only recently welcomed center Zach Edey back to the lineup, and the roster remains thinned by multiple absences.

Grizzlies continue to battle early-season health setbacks

The season began with a sizable injury list, highlighted by Ty Jerome’s high-grade right calf strain, Scotty Pippen Jr.’s left big toe issue and Brandon Clarke’s recovery from knee surgery. Each absence has stretched the rotation and forced Memphis to shuffle its guard combinations more frequently than planned.

This latest blow compounds the pressure on the backcourt, which has struggled to find stability as injuries accumulate. Morant’s absence removes the Grizzlies’ lead playmaker and primary offensive engine at a time when the team is still searching for rhythm.

Memphis signs rookie guard to bolster depth

With limited healthy guards available, the Grizzlies moved quickly to reinforce their backcourt by signing rookie Jahmai Mashack to a two-way deal on Sunday. The 59th overall pick in June, Mashack has been contributing in the NBA G League with the Memphis Hustle and now steps into a needed depth role as the team navigates a difficult stretch.

Memphis now enters the coming weeks relying on its supporting cast to stabilize the rotation while awaiting Morant’s re-evaluation. The Grizzlies’ ability to absorb injuries has already been tested early in the season, and the challenge only intensifies as their franchise guard begins his recovery.