Phoenix Suns forward Miles Bridges is in the first stretch of his career with the organization. 

The 2018 lottery pick is heading into year nine of his career following a trade that sent him from the Charlotte Hornets to the Suns. This made the lead-up to the season all the more crucial, as he is working his way into a new culture, offensive/defensive system, and in finding ways to improve.

Unfortunately, the 28-year-old parted from the game with 11:01 remaining in the second quarter after apparently tweaking an ankle after falling to the floor. 

There wasn't much pressure for the forward to return to action, with the Suns confirming early in the third quarter that he wouldn't make a return. It's unclear at the time as to when a return can be made, so stay tuned as further updates become available.

This is obviously a semi-blow for a team that is working to integrate Bridges' versatile skillset into a ball-dominant starting five, but the health of the Michigan native is what's most important for the time being.

The most obvious beneficiary of Bridges not returning to action is second-year forward Rahseer Fleming, who started the second half on the floor with the starters.

While Fleming will not start the season with the "first five," he will have a definitive chance to earn an etched spot into the second unit in the games ahead.

Independent of Fleming are Koa Peat and Ryan Dunn. Both wings/forwards are versatile, but need to smooth over certain aspects of their respective games. 

The Bridges injury is a less-than-ideal circumstance, but it does open the door for head coach Jordan Ott to flex the depth that the squad owns on paper. 

A firm date cannot be floated out at the moment in regards to a return, but it wouldn't come as a complete shock to see the 6'7" forward sit out the remaining three preseason contests. 

Bridges is a crucial piece of the Suns' plans this season, but it wouldn't be prudent to push him out in exhibition games without being certain that he is back to 100% health.

The aforementioned depth at the wing position makes this easier to digest as well. Expect the coaching staff to lean on the trio of players mentioned above. 

Stay tuned for updates on Bridges' status following the game.

NOTE: Ott is labeling Bridges’ injury as a day-to-day issue and didn’t close the door on a return to the lineup on Saturday.