Report: Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr. Suffers Injury Setback; Return Status Undecided

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. reportedly suffered a setback during his recovery from a back injury, and it is unclear when he will return to action.

According to Mike Singer of the Denver Post, a source said the setback was due to overcompensation and overwork, although they added that it was "nothing major."

Porter underwent his third career back surgery on Dec. 1, and he hasn't appeared in a game since Nov. 6.

All told, the 23-year-old Porter has appeared in just nine games this season, averaging 9.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 three-pointers made and 1.1 steals while shooting 35.9 percent from the field and 20.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Before undergoing surgery, Porter clearly wasn't the same player he was last season when he enjoyed a breakout campaign with career highs of 19.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.8 three-pointers made per game. He also shot 54.2 percent from the floor and 44.5 percent from long range.

Denver selected Porter with the No. 14 pick in the 2018 draft out of Missouri knowing he had back issues, which cost him his entire rookie campaign.

He then showed his potential in 55 games in 2019-20 before taking a huge leap forward last season.

Recently, Porter accompanied the Nuggets on a two-game road trip and took part in some shooting drills prior to Monday's contest against the Charlotte Hornets:

That generated hope among fans that Porter would be able to return soon, but it is unknown if or when he will come back, with the Nuggets having only six regular-season games remaining.

Despite Porter missing most of the season and guard Jamal Murray missing the entire year with a torn ACL, the Nuggets are tied for fifth in the Western Conference with a 45-31 record.

That is primarily due to the play of center Nikola Jokic, who may be in line to win his second consecutive NBA MVP award.

Denver might struggle to go on a deep playoff run without Porter or Murray, but if Porter can get healthy enough to return before the end of the regular season or at some point during the playoffs, the Nuggets would likely be a tough out.