Oct 5, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers small forward Danny Granger (33) is defended by Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson (22) at Bankers life Fieldhouse. Bulls beat Pacers 82-76. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

For the majority of the preseason, the Indiana Pacers have been without swingman Danny Granger as he rehabs from a calf strain, and after rumors that he would miss the regular season opener, head coach Frank Vogel confirmed his absence on Sunday.

Vogel declares Danny Granger (calf strain) out for the first two games of the season.

— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) October 27, 2013

It isn’t a surprise to see Granger on the sideline against Orlando and New Orleans in the first 2 games, but it’s still an ominous sign for the Pacers moving forward. After being the leading scorer (and default best player) in Indy for a 4-year stretch from 2007 through 2011, Granger missed all of last season with an ACL tear, and you never want to see additional leg injuries following that. On the bright side, the former New Mexico Lobo isn’t being looked at as the primary option for the Pacers anymore after Paul George emerged as an elite player, but his presence on the bench could be extremely valuable.

Frank Vogel did use the word “cautious” in his declaration about Granger’s absence, and that is a good sign in my opinion. There’s absolutely no rush to bring him back quickly with an already solid team on the court and no real urgency in the standings, and Indiana is a lurking monster if they can integrate Granger into what was an awesome team near the end of last season.