Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Injury: Updates on Bobcats Guard's Head

Charlotte Bobcats rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was concussed during the team's 109-95 loss Saturday night in Houston and will stay overnight in the hospital.

UPDATE: Friday, Feb. 8, at 6:06 p.m. ET by Michael Moraitis

After missing the team's last two games, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will return to the lineup for the Bobcats when they take on the Lakers, per Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer:

"

MKG (concussion) cleared to play and will start, per Dunlap. Byron Mullens moves back into the starting lineup.

— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) February 8, 2013"

---End of update---

UPDATE: Monday, Feb. 4, at 1:30 p.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

Rough news for Bobcats fans as Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (neck) will not play tonight or Wednesday, according to Bobcats play-by-play announcer Steve Martin.

---End of update---

UPDATE: Monday, Feb. 4, at 10:38 a.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was released from the hospital yesterday and has already rejoined his teammates in Miami, according to Charlotte Bobcats Vice President of Communications B.J. Evans.

"

Update: @bobcats forward @mikegillie14 was released from hospital yesterday afternoon and has joined his teammates in Miami. #CatsHeat.

— B.J. Evans (@BobcatsBballPR) February 4, 2013"

---End of update---

UPDATE: Sunday, Feb. 3 at 12:59 a.m. ET by Mike Hoag

Kidd-Gilchrist was determined to have sustained a concussion after being moved from the Toyota Center to Memorial-Hermann Hospital on a stretcher, according to Rick Bonnell, Bobcats beat writer for the Charlotte Observer (via Twitter):

The news came late Saturday night after the Bobcats wingman was evaluated at the Houston hospital. As Bonnell noted, he will spend the night in the hospital.

Kidd-Gilchrist will likely miss a couple of games but could be back in the lineup soon. The Bobcats are struggling, so he should be given ample time to recover, with a playoff push not in the team's immediate plans.

---End of Update---

Bonnell, Bobcats beat writer for the Charlotte Observer, noted Kidd-Gilchrist was wearing a neck brace as he was being taken from the court (via Twitter):

The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen reported Kidd-Gilchrist was being taken to a local hospital for evaluation following his head injury (via Twitter):

Kidd-Gilchrist injured his head while in pursuit of a fast break. He fell to the court and hit his head on teammate Jeff Taylor’s knee, knocking him out cold in the process.

He was motionless for the court for about five minutes, according to NBA.com’s Scott Howard-Cooper, before he was strapped to the stretcher and his head was immobilized for transfer to the hospital.

The 19-year-old forward had four points, five rebounds and one block in 20 minutes prior to the injury.

This is bad news for a Bobcats team that has limped its way through the 2012-13 season. It's an understatement to say they’re currently sitting well out of playoff contention. Prior to the finish of this game, the Bobcats were tied with Washington (11-34) for the worst record in the NBA.

That poor standing could further decline without their promising rookie on the court for an extended period of time.

Kidd-Gilchrist is set to travel back to Houston, along with teammate Kemba Walker, for the NBA All-Star Weekend’s BBVA Rising Stars Challenge.

While his scoring efforts and development have been slow (as many expected), Kidd-Gilchrist has proven to be an exceptional defender and has really shined thanks to athleticism.

He is currently averaging 9.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 26.7 minutes per game.