Kyrie Irving Injury: Updates on Cavaliers' Star's Shoulder Injury

Kyrie Irving is reportedly out at least one week with a shoulder injury, according to Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio.

UPDATE: Thursday, April 19 at 8:02 a.m. ET by Eric Bowman 

Kyrie Irving was back in action on Wednesday night, but the Cavs ended up losing to the 76ers 103-87. Still, it was good to see Irving back on the court after having missed nine games. 

After the game, Irving told The News-Herald what his plans are for the remaining games of the year. 

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The Cavs (20-41) have five games remaining. He hopes to play in all of them.

“I’m hoping,” Irving said. “I probably won’t play all five games. It’s about being smart right now.”

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Clearly the Cavs won't be extending their season to the playoffs this year, so the rest of the season doesn't matter. Because of that, Irving needs to stay focused on his health.

Risking further injury isn't that smart of and idea, especially after he took a nasty fall to the floor on Wednesday night that scared his coaches and the fans half to death. 

Irving is the favorite for Rookie of the Year, but he might want to play in a couple more games just to help his cause. He'll need to play it by ear and see how he feels during the shoot-around for each game. Any sign of soreness or pain and Irving should just sit it out. 

UPDATE: Sunday, April 15 at 5:27 p.m. EST by Brandon Galvin

Kyrie Irving won't play Tuesday, but could be available on Wednesday, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Tom Reed and Mary Schmitt Boyer. 

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BScott said Kyrie Irving probably won't play Tuesday in Det, but might be available for Wed home game depending on how Tue shootaround goes

— Reed, Boyer (@PDcavsinsider) April 15, 2012"

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More BScott on KI: "I think there's a better chance he plays, but obviously there's a chance hemight not play."

— Reed, Boyer (@PDcavsinsider) April 15, 2012"

UPDATE: Tuesday, April 10 at 8:22 a.m. EST

Kyrie Irving (shoulder) is not expected to play this week, according to News-Herald's Bob Finnan.

"Guard Kyrie Irving’s sprained shoulder is progressing. However, he will be held out of games this week as well." 

The Cleveland Cavaliers' star rookie first sprained his shoulder on March 30 in a losing effort versus the Milwaukee Bucks. He ended up missing a game the next night against the New York Knicks but returned to the lineup on Tuesday to face the San Antonio Spurs.

John Telich of FOX8.com reported that the injury might be worse than initially thought and could potentially be a bone bruise, although there is no definite diagnosis yet.

Cleveland is just 17-34 on the season despite a solid production from Irving in his first year of NBA play. The clear favorite for the Rookie of the Year award is averaging 18.9 PPG, 5.7 APG, 4.0 RPG and 1.0 SPG on 46.8 percent shooting from the field and 41.4 percent from beyond the arc.

It would benefit both Irving and the team to allow him as long as he needs to get fully healthy, as there is no point in rushing the blossoming superstar back. Cleveland cannot risk the future of their franchise getting hurt again—which could possibly hinder his development.

The Cavaliers face off against the Milwaukee Bucks again tonight and Irving reportedly did not make the trip to Wisconsin with the team. He should be rehabbing and working to get back to 100 percent before suiting up.

Keep it tuned here throughout the week for the latest breaking news, updates, opinions and analysis on Kyrie Irving and his shoulder injury.