Anthony Edwards has officially been cleared for contact basketball activities, the Timberwolves announced Monday, though he’ll remain sidelined a bit longer.
The Timberwolves star has missed the last four games due to a right hamstring strain suffered on Oct. 26 against the Indiana Pacers. According to the team, this clearance marks an important step in his recovery process as he continues working through his return-to-play program.
“Edwards, who sustained a right hamstring strain on Oct. 26, has been cleared for contact basketball activities,” the team said in a statement. “His game status remains out as he progresses through his rehabilitation. Further updates will be provided when available.”
Edwards was spotted jogging during the team’s shootaround in New York on Monday, prior to their matchup with the Brooklyn Nets.
Initial reports suggested the 23-year-old guard could miss around two weeks, potentially setting his return for Nov. 14 against the Kings. However, this latest update raises hopes he might rejoin the lineup sooner — possibly as early as Friday’s home game against the Jazz.
Edwards is unlikely to play Wednesday against the Knicks, but the Wolves’ upcoming schedule offers flexibility: after Friday’s game, they’ll face Sacramento and Utah in a back-to-back before getting three full days of rest.
Before his injury, Edwards was off to a scorching start, averaging 36 points through Minnesota’s first two games and positioning himself as an early MVP contender. With the team managing a 2-2 record in his absence, there’s little pressure to rush him back before he’s fully healthy.
In his stead, players like Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle have helped keep the Timberwolves’ offense afloat as the team awaits its star’s return.
