Muhammad's shoulder injury will not require surgery

An MRI revealed that UCLA freshman Shabazz Muhammad's injured right shoulder will not require surgery. But coach Ben Howland told CBSSports.com on Thursday that the 6-foot-5 wing is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks and maybe up to four.

Muhammad injured his shoulder in Wednesday's practice.

He's the star of UCLA's recruiting class.

Whether Muhammad would be available to start the season has long been in doubt because the NCAA is still investigating dealings that might've compromised his amateur status, but this injury almost ensures he'll watch the opener regardless of how the NCAA rules. UCLA opens Nov. 9 against Indiana State. The Bruins' first game against a power-conference opponent is Nov. 19 against Georgetown in Brooklyn.