Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay out "10 days to 2 weeks" with sprained ankle according to report

Denver Nuggets rookie point guard Emmanuel Mudiay’s injury update is going to be a little longer than expected. It was thought the rookie could be back for tonight’s contest against the Utah Jazz, but he’ll be out tonight and perhaps a little while longer, according to Chris Dempsey.

#Nuggets G Emmanuel Mudiay (ankle) is out of tonight’s game vs. Utah. He did not participate in shootaround.

— Chris Dempsey (@dempseypost) December 18, 2015

Mudiay’s timetable is said to be anywhere from 10 days to 2 weeks. And this is the seventh day. So he’s got a ways to go. #Nuggets

— Chris Dempsey (@dempseypost) December 18, 2015

The Nuggets have seven games to close out 2015, and if we take two weeks to mean 14 days – that could mean Mudiay will miss the team’s next three games against the Pelicans (Dec. 20th), Lakers (Dec. 22nd) and Suns (Dec. 23rd). However, his return could also come at any time, depending on how he’s feeling.

Mudiay is working out a bit, as he was on the floor in Utah today working on his handle – here is some video from Nuggets strength and conditioning coach Steve Hess via Instagram.

A video posted by Steve (@steve13hess) on Dec 18, 2015 at 9:58am PST

Jusuf Nurkic update: 

As my colleague, Harrison Wind, had yesterday, Jusuf Nurkic has been cleared for full contact practice with the team. He wasted little time getting back on the court as he was an active participant at shoot around in Utah today, according to Chris Dempsey.

Jusuf Nurkic participated in shootaround, his first since being cleared yesterday for full contact.

— Chris Dempsey (@dempseypost) December 18, 2015

#Nuggets coach Michael Malone said Nurkic was so excited, he “looked like a kid that came down(stairs) on Christmas morning”

— Chris Dempsey (@dempseypost) December 18, 2015

Nurkic’s return is important for so many reasons. He will give the team a legitimate rim protector in the paint, he’s an excellent rebounder on both ends of the floor, and on the defensive end he’s also shown signs of being a very good outlet passer (which starts the fast break), will be a post presence on the offensive end, can space the floor a little with his shooting and passing and he gives the team another level of toughness as the Bosnian Beast isn’t afraid to mix it up with anybody.

The return of both players will give the Nuggets a much needed boost to a team that is finding a bit of a groove.