Suns Coach Provides Positive Injury Update on Miles Bridges

Just over one week remains until the 2026-27 regular season opens up for the Phoenix Suns as of Oct. 13.

The eight days between Tuesday and the October 21 season opener gifts first-year Sun Miles Bridges time to recover from an ankle tweak obtained in last Wednesday's contest against the Chicago Bulls.

Bridges left the contest early in the second quarter after twisting his right ankle while falling to the court. The 28-year-old did sit out of Saturday's home contest against the San Antonio Spurs out of an abundance of caution. 

In conjunction with this approach, head coach Jordan Ott revealed on Monday (via Duane Rankin) that Bridges is progressing well in recovery from the injury, but is stopping short of committing to the forward returning to action on Wednesday.

This balancing act opens the door for a fascinating debate.

In an ideal world, there would be more than two opportunities in the midst of preseason play for the starting five to work together.

Four of five members of the starting group are returnees, which makes Bridges' integration the most crucial base to cover. The first two preseason games lent credence to the optimists who believe the sheer talent of the starters will shine through. Bridges' adaptability was also clear over this short period of time.

However, Bridges' possible absence over the final three contests might stall positive momentum when the regular season opens. This has to be a real consideration, even if it is intangible in some ways.

On the other hand, the Suns must tread carefully in Bridges' recovery. The organization learned this the hard way last season when Jalen Green made a return from a hamstring injury in November just to miss two-plus months due to re-injury in his second game back. 

There's a real world in which the benefit of playing Bridges in preseason is inconsequential to his long-term well being this season.

Another benefit of sitting Bridges out over the final two games is the simple fact of gifting Luke Kennard, Rasheer Fleming, and Ryan Dunn extra reps in pursuit of solidifying roles or giving them time to gain comfortability in different rotations.

While the Michigan State product may not appear in another preseason game, there's a great deal of confidence that the coaching staff is already unlocking the code of how to maximize his talent in very profound ways. 

The Suns return to action on Wednesday night, this time in a road battle against the Spurs.