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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell is expected to return Friday against the Brooklyn Nets.
Mitchell officially cleared the NBA's concussion protocol on Thursday, clearing the way for him to rejoin the Jazz after missing the last eight games.
On Jan. 17, Mitchell was inadvertently elbowed by Lakers guard Russell Westbrook near the end of the first half of the matchup with Los Angeles. Mitchell remained in that game but experienced concussion symptoms following the contest. He's spent over two weeks in the league's concussion protocols.
Utah hoped the three-time All-Star guard could return last weekend, and Mitchell traveled with the team for its road trip to Memphis and Minnesota as a result; however, symptoms continued to linger, which resulted in Mitchell meeting with a concussion specialist earlier this week.
The league's concussion protocol dictates a player must remain symptom-free while at a resting state. Players must remain without symptoms as they gradually increase their workload.
The Jazz have struggled without Mitchell, going 2-6 in the games without the star guard. Utah snapped a five-game losing streak on Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets.
Mitchell's return is a bit of good news on the injury front for a team that hasn't played with its full rotation since Christmas Day.
Coach Quin Snyder and guard Danuel House Jr. remain in the league's COVID-19 protocols. Center Hassan Whiteside (lower back strain) and guard Jordan Clarkson (knee soreness) are listed as questionable for Friday's contest.
There may be more good news coming, though. While Rudy Gobert (left-calf strain) will miss Friday's game, ESPN reported the All-Star center could return as soon as early next week.
