Tyler Herro Explains Decision to Wear NFL-Style Flak Jacket in Return to Heat From Rib Injury

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro discussed his choice to wear an NFL-style flak jacket underneath his jersey as he returns from a rib injury on Friday.

"They had like a sewing person come in and sew a whole new pad in for me," Herro said, per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. "So I got quite the flak jacket. I look like a football player almost out there. So I'm going to see how it goes, try to feel it out a little bit. Ultimately, just want to feel safe.

"Hopefully I just don't get hit there and we'll be good. But yeah, I'll be protected."

Herro hasn't appeared in a game since Jan. 15 after an MRI revealed a costochondral issue with his ribs. He returned to Miami's practice on Thursday and was listed as available for a matchup with the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.

"We haven't done another image, but I feel good," Herro said, per Winderman. "I've taken some hits there, in the last couple of days, and it feels a thousand times better than it did prior to."

"I don't know what the actual rib looks like, if I were to take a picture of it, an MRI or something," he added. "But I feel good."

Herro has been limited to just 11 contests this year, previously missing time while recovering from surgery on his left foot and ankle.

When available, he's averaged 21.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from three-point territory.

The Heat will hope that Herro can provide an offensive boost down the stretch of the regular season after he earned his first All-Star nod in 2025.

Miami holds the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 29-27 record.