T.J. Warren’s foot injury not healing as expected, still out indefinitely

T.J. Warren missed most of last season due to a foot injury, and the latest update has him still out indefinitely.

A left foot injury cost Indiana Pacers forward T.J. Warren all but four games last season, as he was eventually declared out for the season after surgery to fix a stress fracture in January. Slow recovery progress back then was not alarming. On Tuesday, the team released a statement that was not encouraging for his progress toward a return to action.

“Indiana Pacers forward T.J. Warren’s stress fracture in his left foot is healing during the rehabilitation process; but not at the pace previously anticipated. He remains out indefinitely, and further updates will be provided as warranted.”

Warren took to Twitter to send out his own message along the same lines.

Foot injuries are often career-altering, and multiple players have had chronic issues that shortened their careers. So caution is the right approach by Warren and the team, even if it costs him games into next season.

TJ Warren has not been able to build on his bubble showing

Warren was one of the breakout stars of the bubble that wrapped up the 2019-20 season. He scored 53 points in his first game in Orlando, and he averaged 34.8 points per game in his first five games there, on over 60 percent shooting (32 or more points four times). Plantar fasciitis in his right foot became an issue, and he missed two games, but he still scored 21 or more points in three of Indiana’s four playoff games.

Warren’s injury is just the latest in a consistent line of such major injuries to key players for the Pacers. He is also set to be a free agent next summer, so a return to full strength will be crucial for him. But at this point, when he’ll step on the floor as training camp approaches is still a big question.