Rockets injury news: Jae’Sean Tate finally returns from ankle issue

After missing most of Houston’s preseason slate due to right ankle soreness and 35 of the first 38 games of the club’s 2022-23 regular season, veteran forward Jae’Sean Tate — at long last — is rejoining the Rockets’ playing rotation. Tate’s ankle issues trace to the 2022 offseason, and initial attempts to solve them were unsuccessful.

But in pregame comments prior to Thursday’s home game versus Utah, head coach Stephen Silas said Tate is finally ready, though he noted there would be a minutes restriction due to the long layoff.

After initially returning from the injury for three games in late October, Tate was again shelved with right ankle soreness on Oct. 31 and did not take part in any of the next 31 games. However, he gradually ramped up his physical activities in recent weeks and took part (without injury) in a team practice on Tuesday, which was the final step before the Rockets would medically clear him to play.

Now 27 years old, Tate is averaging 8.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 22.7 minutes per game. He’s shot 50% overall and 40% on 3-pointers, and the burly 6-foot-5 forward is widely regarded as one of Houston’s best and most versatile defensive players.

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2022-2023 Houston Rockets roster

Story originally appeared on Rockets Wire