Jazz hit with nightmare injury news as Jackson faces 6-8 week absence

Utah Jazz forward Jaren Jackson Jr. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jazz hit with nightmare injury news as Jaren Jackson Jr. faces 6-8 week absence

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 27, 2026 3:55 PM ET

The Utah Jazz had a chance to be one of the most underrated and sneaky teams in the Western Conference this season.

Utah had built a strong backcourt that consisted of Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. to pair with an excellent young core in Ace Bailey, Keyonte George and No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson.

The plans to take a major leap as a playoff contender will have to go on hold with the latest injury news revealed on Tuesday.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is set to miss an extended period of time

According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Jackson suffered a torn MCL on Monday that will sideline him for 6-8 weeks. The injury happened when the Grizzlies' Ty Jerome incidentally fell into Jackson's knee, causing him to miss the remainder of the game.

Fortunately for Utah, Jackson is not expected to undergo surgery, meaning that good progress in rehab should have him back just ahead of the calendar turning to 2027.

Utah Jazz star Jaren Jackson Jr. has sustained a torn MCL in his right knee and will be sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks, sources tell me and @BannedMacMahon. Jackson will not require surgery. pic.twitter.com/GqKC2rKBoo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 27, 2026

Jaren Jackson Jr. right knee

JJJ comes down right on top of Ty Jerome, who is already on the floor, and goes down. Jazz say right knee, out for the night

1️⃣ What the film shows
He lands on Jerome, folds and goes down. He sits a while, then gets helped up. Honestly, this… pic.twitter.com/Xcb61IZMYe
— Dr. Ribu Thomas PT, DPT (@Ribu18) October 27, 2026

Lauri Markkanen was also injured on Monday

Markkanen was expected to be the running mate in the backcourt with Jackson, but he was also injured on Monday. Markkanen appeared to get his wrist caught in a screen just halfway through the first quarter, and he was unable to return as well.

No update on his status has been given yet, and the Jazz cannot afford to lose both of their starting big men in a span of 24 hours if they have any hopes of remaining competitive.

Whether it is just the injury to Jackson or injuries to him and Markkanen, Utah's young core will have to step up and show what it is made of for a good portion of the season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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