Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report: Final Updates on Ja Morant, Zach Edey and Five Injured Players vs. Pelicans (Oct. 22)

The Memphis Grizzlies are staring at another injury-riddled start to a new season. Ahead of Wednesday's season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis has ruled out five players. However, fortunately for the Grizzlies, the list does not include star Ja Morant.

Morant was sidelined during the preseason due to an ankle injury, but he has been cleared for Wednesday's game. Meanwhile, Zach Edey remains sidelined, along with Brandon Clarke, Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Vince Williams Jr.

Edey underwent surgery on his left ankle in September and will be out for multiple weeks. Clarke is recovering from an arthroscopic procedure on his knee in September and could be out for at least two weeks. The Grizzlies announced on Monday that Jerome will join the injury list for four weeks with a high-grade calf strain.

Pippen Jr. underwent a sesamoidectomy on Tuesday and will take 12 weeks to recover. Williams Jr. is day-to-day with a nagging heel injury that forced him in and out of the lineup during preseason.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

Memphis Grizzlies need everyone healthy to compete in stacked West

The Memphis Grizzlies rose to the top of the West in 2022 and 2023. However, since then, injuries have limited the team's ceiling. Ja Morant, in particular, has been unable to stay on the floor due to suspensions and health issues.

Memphis lost star power this offseason after Desmond Bane's departure, putting more onus on Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. to stay fit and produce at an All-Star level. They were once regarded as two of the best emerging young players, but have since been leapfrogged by the OKC Thunder and Houston Rockets' young cores.

Memphis has the chance to prove doubters wrong as an unfancied team in the stacked Western Conference. While losing Bane was a significant hit, in some ways, it was needed, considering the Grizzlies weren't finding much success with their big three.

Now, with veterans like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the locker room, coupled with a healthy Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., the Memphis Grizzlies will look to have a relatively stable year.

About the author

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton and Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

Know More

Grizzlies Nation! You can check out the latest Memphis Grizzlies Schedule and dive into the Grizzlies Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.

Edited by Arhaan Raje