Kirk Hinrich Injury: Updates on Bulls Guard's Toe and Return

Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich suffered a sore toe that kept him out of the lineup beginning on Nov. 1. He would return against the Charlotte Hornets on Nov. 13.

Continue for updates.

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Hinrich Active vs. Hornets

Friday, Nov. 13

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported Hinrich was active against Charlotte.

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Hinrich's Presence Won't Carry Major Impact

Hinrich has only appeared in one of three Chicago games this season (against the Brooklyn Nets), and he played for a mere five minutes. The fact the injury is only a sore toe rather than any ligament damage or something more serious is reassuring for the Bulls, especially since it is only November and there is plenty of time remaining this season for Hinrich to heal and return to the rotation.    

Chicago has plenty of options at point guard to shoulder the load, including starter Derrick Rose. Relying on the former MVP, who is one of the most injury-prone players in the league, may be a risky endeavor, but Chicago also has Aaron Brooks and E’Twaun Moore as point guard options. Hinrich's return

Even star shooting guard Jimmy Butler has assumed some ball-handling responsibilities in the early going in 2015-16.

The Bulls are on the short list of teams that could theoretically challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference. While having Hinrich as an experienced bench option is a nice luxury that gives Chicago more depth, his return was not mandatory for this squad to remain in postseason contention.