Damian Lillard injury update: Trail Blazers star has Grade 1 calf strain, to be re-evaluated in 1-2 weeks

The Blazers plan to be cautious with Lillard's recovery

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard only just returned to the floor after a four-game absence caused by a calf strain, but in Saturday's loss to the Utah Jazz, he re-aggravated the injury and left the game in the second half. Lillard had an MRI after the game, and it revealed a grade one strain to the soleus muscle in the right lower leg, the Blazers announced on Sunday. He will be re-evaluated in one to two weeks. 

Lillard missed most of last season due to an abdominal injury but has largely played well this season in his return. Prior to Saturday's ugly 2-of-14 shooting performance, Lillard was averaging 27.6 points and seven assists per game for the surprisingly successful Blazers. At 10-6, the Blazers sit in third place in the Western Conference after missing the playoffs a season ago.

With Lillard out, the Blazers will now have to more heavily lean on fourth-year guard Anfernee Simons and offseason trade acquisition Jerami Grant to generate offense. Simons, who just signed a $100 million contract this offseason, is averaging 22.5 points per game for the Blazers while Grant, a free agent to be, isn't far behind at 19.7. Lottery pick Shaedon Sharpe, who has flashed brilliance in a limited role, is also due for more of an opportunity with Lillard out.

Lillard turned 32 this offseason. Injuries at that age become more difficult to deal with. What matters to the Blazers is keeping him healthy into the spring, so if that means missing games in the interim, so be it.