Jarrett Allen Injury Update Doesn't Sound Good For Cavaliers

While the news for a full return of rookie Evan Mobley is fairly positive, the Jarrett Allen situation is a bit more ominous for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor reports that an "effective return" for Allen is "highly unlikely."

#Cavs Evan Mobley was not walking with a limp tonight at the game. At this point, given the nature of the injury, I think it’s realistic for him to 100% — or close to it — when he comes back. But Jarrett Allen being 100% effective when he returns is highly unlikely.
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) April 4, 2022

According to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Allen continues to wear a full brace and splint on his hand to protect his broken middle finger. And for a player whose primary defensive use of his hands is blocking shots with those outstretched fingers, it's not looking good.

Allen's return is now "if" rather than "when"

"Internally, after Allen chose not to have surgery," writes Vardon, "the organization had hoped his finger would have healed by now. Discussions about his prognosis for a return have gravitated toward 'if' instead of 'when.'"

The Cavs have gone 6-9 since their All-Star center has been out of the lineup, and have dropped into 7th spot in the East.

The news is better for Mobley, who's now walking without a limp, almost fully recovered from his sprained ankle. He's missed four games, and the hope is that he will be at full strength come next week's Play-In Tournament.

Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports