UPDATE: Friday, April 12, 12:00 p.m ET by Michael Cahill

According to the twitter of San Antonio Express News reporter Jeff McDonald, Tony Parker will return to the Spurs lineup tonight. 

Tony Parker is playing tonight, Tony Parker says.

— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) April 12, 2013

--End of Update--

UPDATE: Monday, April 8 at 1:00 p.m ET by Michael Cahill

According to the twitter account of Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express News, it looks like Parker could be returning to the Spurs lineup this week. 

Spurs already listing Tony Parker as probable for Wednesday in Denver. So sounds like he'll play.

— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) April 8, 2013

Though a few minutes later McDonald tweeted that Parkers status for Wednesday isn't so certain. 

Parker decides he's not probable after all. Will work out tomorrow, then decide about Denver.

— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) April 8, 2013

--End of Update--

UPDATE: Friday, March 22 at 12:00 p.m ET by Michael Cahill

The official twitter account for the San Antonio Spurs is reporting good news for Tony Parker, stating that he will return and be available for the Spurs' clash with the Utah Jazz on Friday night.

Injury report: Tony Parker (sore neck) out tonight, Stephen Jackson (ankle) probable.

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 6, 2013

This is huge for the Spurs; Parker was expected to be out for at least a month, and getting him back after roughly three weeks will have a big impact on the team. Look for them to keep winning with their star point guard back in the lineup.

---End Update---

UPDATE: Saturday, March 2 at 1:40 p.m. ET by Josh Benjamin

According to Keith Langlois of Pistons.com, Parker has a Grade 2 ankle sprain and is expected to miss four weeks.

Tony Parker will be active and available tonight vs. Utah.

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) March 22, 2013

---End of update---

UPDATE: Friday, March 1 at 10:58 p.m. ET by Ian Hanford

According to San Antonio Express-News reporter Mike Monroe, Parker's sprained ankle is substantial:

Tony Parker expected to miss 4 weeks with Grade 2 ankle sprain, meaning, of course, he misses Sunday's game vs. Pistons.

— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) March 2, 2013

Pop on parker ankle sprain: 'it's a good one, he'll be out a while'

— Mike Monroe (@Monroe_SA) March 2, 2013

---End of update---

San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker was forced off the court and into the locker room on Friday night after suffering an injury to his left ankle, according to ESPN NBA writer Brian Windhorst (via Twitter).

Spurs beat writer Jeff McDonald later confirmed that Parker in fact suffered an injury to his left ankle (via Twitter).

Parker has led the Western Conference-leading Spurs all year long, averaging 21.1 points and 7.6 assists per game for San Antonio in over 50 appearances this season. He averaged 26.1 points and 8.3 assists per game over the month of February, a month in which the Spurs went 7-2 on their annual rodeo road trip.

The Spurs were taking on the hapless Sacramento Kings at home, leading comfortably and looking to avoid their third loss in four games when the injury occurred. 

San Antonio is deep enough, though, that it should be able remain atop the Western Conference standings despite the loss of its starting floor general. If Parker isn't available for Gregg Popovich's squad come playoff time, then the Spurs would be in serious trouble.

The 30-year-old, who is a legitimate MVP candidate this season, has missed just four games all this year, including two in February. He's battled knee and triceps injury this year but has been able to play through them for the most part. 

San Antonio is just a couple of games up on the defending Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder with about six weeks left in the regular season. 

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.