Zach Edey out at least four weeks with repeat injury in Grizzlies breaker

The Grizzlies will have to make do without their big man for the foreseeable future.

Memphis center Zach Edey is expected to miss at least four weeks after suffering a stress reaction in his left ankle, the team announced Thursday.

According to ESPN, Edey’s time on the sidelines appears to be more of a precautionary measure by the Grizzlies.

“This is a management plan to optimize Zach’s long-term health in consultation with the Grizzlies and medical experts,” Mark Bartelstien, Edey’s agent, told ESPN.

“After this move, the short- and long-term prognosis for Zach is excellent,” Bartelstein added.

Edey previously underwent surgery on the affected ankle this past summer, and his recovery caused the 7-foot-3 center to miss the Grizzlies’ first thirteen games of the 2025-26 season.

So far this season, Edey has shown a significant jump in his play compared to his rookie year, posting 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in eleven games.

Edey was selected by Memphis with the No. 9 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and posted a respectable 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game while finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting.

The 23-year-old’s injury comes as star Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant is dealing with a right calf strain.

Morant, 26, hasn’t played a game since the Grizzlies’ 108-100 loss to the Cavaliers on Nov. 15, which amounts to just 12 games this season.

The two-time All-Star’s numbers have also dropped in a short time, averaging just 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 7.6 assists while shooting an atrocious 35.9 percent from the field.

Morant has also reportedly had problems with the Memphis coaching staff, resulting in a one-game suspension after telling reporters to “ask the coaching staff” when asked about his struggles following a loss to the Lakers in November.

The Athletic reported this earlier in November that Morant’s time in Memphis could be coming to an end, with the Timberwolves and Kings emerging as potential suitors for the former No. 2 overall pick.

Memphis, which had a rough start to the season, has come on fire lately, winning seven of its past nine games to increase its record to 11-13 this year.