Jusuf Nurkic Out for Four Weeks Due to Toe Injury

Jusuf Nurkic, the center for the Utah Jazz, is expected to miss a minimum of four weeks due to a partial plantar plate tear in the second toe of his right foot, according to league sources.

Nurkic played only 11 minutes in the team's preseason opener and did not participate in practice the following day, missing the subsequent game. In his absence, Jaxson Hayes is likely to take over as the starting center, with support from Jaren Jackson Jr., Kyle Filipowski, and Mo Bamba.

Last season, Nurkic became the Jazz's primary starting center, averaging 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists over 41 games. He signed a two-year, $22 million contract in June, which includes an $11.5 million salary for this season.