Reggie Jackson Injury: Updates on Pistons Guard's Thumb, Knee and Recovery

Detroit Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson had been dealing with tendinitis in his left knee and an injury to his right thumb that have kept him out all season. However, he is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Jackson Active vs. Magic

Sunday, Dec. 4

Head coach Stan Van Gundy announced that Jackson will play Sunday against the Orlando Magic, per Rod Beard of the Detroit News.

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Latest on Jackson's Practice Status

Monday, Nov. 28

Van Gundy said Jackson participated in full during Monday's practice session, per Keith Langlois of the Pistons' official website.

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Van Gundy Comments on Jackson's Recovery

Tuesday, Nov. 22

Van Gundy said Jackson took part in a live two-on-two drill but was held out of the four-on-four and five-on-five drills, per Langlois. Van Gundy said he was encouraged by Jackson's movement and shot.

"Everything looked pretty good," Van Gundy said, per Langlois.

Earlier in the day, Aaron McMann of MLive.com noted Van Gundy announced on Nov. 21 that Jackson has been cleared for contact. 

"How much, I don't know," Van Gundy said, per McMann. "But that he'll be able to do some. And quite honestly, [it] will be a lot like last year when Brandon [Jennings] was coming back. You sort of structure your practice around those guys when they're coming back."

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Pistons Exploring Potential Jackson Replacements

Wednesday, Oct. 5

ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported there is internal concern Jackson could miss extended time, which has reportedly led to the Pistons looking for fallback options at point guard.

According to Langlois, knee tendinitis has been a recurring issue for Jackson, and the team is taking a cautious approach with him leading up to the season.

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Jackson Is Heartbeat of Pistons Offense

Jackson is set to enter his second full season with the Pistons after coming over in a trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has quickly developed into arguably Detroit's most important player.

The 26-year-old Boston College product averaged 18.8 points, 6.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game in 79 contests last season and was among the main reasons Detroit was able to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since the 2008-09 season.

In addition to Jackson's continued ascent to stardom, durability has been among his best attributes. Entering the 2016-17 campaign, he has played in at least 77 games in three consecutive seasons.

Detroit was thin at point guard last season, but it added a reliable player behind Jackson during the offseason in Ish Smith, who has taken up the bulk of Jackson's minutes.

Detroit also has a decent amount of depth at other positions, which means the likes of Andre Drummond, Tobias Harris, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Marcus Morris have needed to step up to fill the void.

The Pistons have a talented team with a bright future, but Jackson is the spark plug who makes things go on the offensive end.

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