Jimmy Butler Injury: Updates on Bulls Star's Elbow and Return

Chicago Bulls swingman Jimmy Butler injured his elbow against the Los Angeles Clippers in early March and missed roughly three weeks. He's set to return against the Hornets.

Continue for updates.

---

Butler to Return vs. Hornets

Monday, March 23

Mike McGraw of the Daily Herald reported that Butler will start against Charlotte.

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported comments from head coach Tom Thibodeau earlier on Monday, who said Butler was likely to play Monday vs. Charlotte.  

On March 19, Thibodeau announced that Butler "went through all of practice," per Nick Friedell of ESPNChicago.com.

On March 17, Johnson reported that Butler returned to practice and was a full participant. According to Friedell, "Butler is hopeful he'll be able to play by the end of the week. Says he's feeling better."

On March 3, Friedell passed along comments from Butler on the news that he would miss extended time with an elbow injury:

Butler also said he's hopeful to return before the end of the regular season and just needs rest, via Friedell:

"

I'm doing all right. I'm just trying my best to hurry back, being careful, of course, but I'm not going to say I'm happy. ... My ligament just has to heal, and I've got to be able to move my left arm like I move my right before I can get out there and do anything.

[...]

I think we [Butler and Derrick Rose] both want to be back ASAP. As soon as possible. But I think we both have to be smart about it. I'm not going to say we're going to come back on the same day because I don't know, but I definitely think we both want to make it back before the end of the season.

"

---

Butler Won't Need Surgery, Could Miss 3-6 Weeks

Monday, March 2

The Bulls announced that Butler has an elbow sprain and will miss three to six weeks.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported that Butler won't require surgery, while Friedell reported that the team is hopeful Butler can return before the playoffs, but that the Bulls star was seen wearing a brace on the injured elbow.

Johnson reported that Butler may be able to return before three weeks, but will be evaluated on a weekly basis. 

---

Butler Leaves Game vs. Clippers

Sunday, March 1

Butler left Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers after suffering a sprained left elbow, the team announced. Bulls radio play-by-play announcer Chuck Swirsky later confirmed Butler would not return to the game.   

NBA.com shared the following video of his injury:

Butler, 25, has battled through minor injuries at different points this season, most notably a shoulder strain around the NBA All-Star break. He struggled with his shooting and aggravated the injury at different points but has managed to stay in the lineup—a sacrifice the Bulls are more than thankful for.

ESPN's Mike Greenberg put the team's latest injury into perspective:

Bulls center Joakim Noah commented on Chicago's injury woes, via Friedell.

"It's tough to lose players to injuries," Noah said. "We just got to—the games keeps coming. It's disappointing that we lost tonight. Hopefully [Butler's] going to be all right, just get ready for the next one."

With Derrick Rose out after undergoing surgery on a torn meniscus, it will be up to the likes of Kirk Hinrich and Aaron Brooks to patch up the backcourt while Butler is sidelined.    

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.