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Former Kentucky Wildcats star and current Milwaukee Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe will miss the beginning of the 2019-2020 season with a rib injury.
It was initially reported that Bledsoe suffered a small rib fracture and would miss 2-3 weeks. However, Bucks General Manager Jon Horst revealed it was not a fracture, but instead damage to his cartilage.
Bledsoe has fractured cartilage in his 9th & 10th rib. It's a case of pain tolerance; there isn't risk of reinjury or further complications. Timetable could still be 2-3 weeks, but he can play when discomfort goes down to minimal. Timing will become clearer in the next few days.
— Matt Velazquez (@Matt_Velazquez) October 11, 2019
Bledsoe was injured during the Bucks’ 133-99 preseason win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, October 9. Before his injury, Bledsoe saw 12 minutes of playing time, picking up 5 points and two assists.
Last season, Bledsoe was a huge part of the Bucks success, as he was averaging 15.9 points, 5.5 assists and 4.6 rebounds in his 78 starts and was expected to continue finding his stride with the Bucks over the beginning of the season, so it’s a tough blow for Bledsoe and a tough loss for the Bucks.
Hopefully in just a few weeks, Bledsoe will be back running the ball. The expected timetable for Bledsoe’s return is still focused on the end of October or beginning of November.