Joel Embiid Injury: Updates on Kansas Center's Knee, Back and Return

Updates from Monday, Feb. 17

Benton Smith of KUSports.com has the latest on Joel Embiid's status:

Updates from Saturday, Feb. 15

Matt Tait of the Lawrence Journal-World reports the latest on Embiid:

Original Text

The fact that superstar freshman Joel Embiid only played 18 minutes in Kansas’ recent overtime loss to Kansas State was a major reason why the Jayhawks came up short against their rivals, and the news gets worse. 

Matt Tait of the Lawrence Journal-World points out that the NBA prospect will miss at least the next game against TCU:

Kansas basketball confirmed the report and added his expected return:

Embiid has been dealing with issues in both his back and knee, which have limited his effectiveness, as coach Bill Self relayed to Jesse Newell of The Topeka Capital-Journal on Thursday: "It would be like if you’re a running back and your high ankle sprain hadn’t totally healed but you could be out there, but you’re still not going to be near as effective…That's kind of where Jo is right now."

Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Fortunately for the Jayhawks, the Horned Frogs are the bottom-dwellers in the Big 12 standings and have yet to win in conference play. Things do get more difficult after that, though, with a trip to Texas Tech and then two home games against Texas and Oklahoma. Taking time to rest against TCU is likely the right decision.

Embiid is averaging 10.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game and is considered one of the top NBA prospects for the upcoming draft.