Brandon Clarke will once again be sidelined for an extended period. The Grizzlies forward has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right calf strain injury, according to the team’s PR staff (Twitter link). Clarke will be reevaluated in approximately three weeks.
Clarke’s latest injury occurred in the first quarter of Memphis’ game against Washington on Saturday. Clarke just returned to action last week after rehabbing from right knee surgery. He played 17 minutes against Minnesota in his season debut on Wednesday before lasting just four minutes on Saturday.
Clarke underwent an arthroscopic procedure in September to address synovitis in his right knee after having his 2024/25 season cut short due to a PCL sprain in that same knee. The 29-year-old Canadian hadn’t suited up for a game since March 19 until his return last week.
He also suffered an Achilles tear in March 2023, which ended his ’22/23 campaign prematurely and limited him to just six outings in ’23/24.
Clarke is in the third season of a four-year contract that pays him $12.5MM annually.
Without Clarke, the Grizzlies will continue to rely on Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, Santi Aldama and Olivier-Maxence Prosper up front. Memphis also signed Christian Koloko on a 10-day hardship contract on Monday to provide depth.
Would love to see the per minutes/games played per millions earned stat with Clarke.
The dreaded calf strain.
Clarke is almost 30 and has suffered some major injuries already. It is a shame because he had the talent to be used multiple ways.