Kennedy Meeks Injury: Updates on North Carolina Star's Knee and Return

North Carolina Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks has been dealing with a knee injury that kept him out of Monday's game against the UNC-Greensboro Spartans. It is uncertain when he will be able to return to action.

Continue for updates.

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Latest on Meeks' Playing Status

Saturday, Jan. 8

Head coach Roy Williams said he expects Meeks to return for Saturday's game against Syracuse, according to C.L. Brown of ESPN:

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"Today he'll go through the full practice, and if he goes through the full practice, I'll be able to play him," Williams said. "It just depends on how effective he'll be when he gets there."

Williams described Meeks' effectiveness in practice the past two days as "medium," adding that the team hasn't run much. That will change in Friday's practice, and Williams said he will then have a better idea of what to expect from Meeks.

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Meeks' Absence to Stretch Tar Heels' Depth

The Tar Heels have struggled, by their standards, during Meeks' first two seasons with 22 total losses. However, the former McDonald's All-American has developed into a solid big man after increasing his scoring average to 11.4 points and rebounding to 7.3 boards per game in his sophomore year. He is currently averaging 12.3 points, 7.4 rebounds 24.4 minutes of action as a junior. 

Looking to increase his stamina, Meeks entered the 2015-16 season looking like a new player after losing weight. Meeks' athleticism in the paint, combined with Marcus Paige at the point, gave the Tar Heels one of the nation's best one-two punches in college basketball.

Durability has never been a problem for Meeks in his career, as he appeared in 71 of 72 games over the past two seasons. North Carolina head coach Roy Williams is among the nation's best recruiters, but his depth will be tested without Meeks.

This is a veteran-laden Tar Heels team, so someone such as junior Isaiah Hicks will step up to play a prominent role until Meeks is able to return.