:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58788273/usa_today_10424757.0.jpg)
Michael Porter Jr. has been sidelined with a back injury since the first two minutes of the season. It appears he is no longer sidelined.
Missouri freshman Michael Porter Jr. has been fully cleared for all basketball activities, per a source.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 22, 2018
OH HELL YES. Do you have any response, Mizzou?
Mizzou spokesperson said they wouldn’t be releasing statement until tomorrow https://t.co/AiGqOkGJeq
— Ashley Zavala KRCG (@ZavalaA) February 22, 2018
WHATEVER. IT’S ON. LET’S DO THIS.
EDIT: 6:40 pm
A source confirmed to the Tribune @JonRothstein's earlier report that Michael Porter Jr. has been cleared for basketball activities. Presser tomorrow at noon. From @cj_teague: https://t.co/n0PEI8ZU6X
— Daniel Jones (@daniel_m_jones) February 23, 2018
Michael Porter Jr., cleared for full contact, source told ESPN. Status to play this season still uncertain: https://t.co/Qlb2IiYckg
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) February 23, 2018
We’ve got local confirmation from the Tribune, and speculation from Jeff Goodman which seems to insinuate this may not mean a whole lot for him playing.
At this point I’m not sure what to expect on if Porter Jr will play this weekend. Being cleared for practice and being able to play in a game are two different things. It takes time to get into game shape and the only way to get into game shape is full practices with contact. You can ride the bike, run, swim, lift weights and even run sprints but nothing prepares you for game play unless you can practice with full contact.
Couple this with Cuonzo Martin not wanting to be the guy who played MPJ before he was ready, and his parents being acutely aware of how much money is at stake, I’d expect them to be conservative. On the other hand, you know Michael wants to play.
Regardless, Michael Porter Jr is one step closer to getting on the court for the Tigers. If he’s capable of playing, he immediately gives the Tigers a boost.