SALT LAKE CITY, 08 February 2026 – Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George has suffered a significant setback in his return to the court, exiting Saturday night’s game against the Orlando Magic with a new injury just minutes after being cleared for play.
Latest Injury Update: Right Ankle Sprain
In a frustrating turn of events for the third-year guard, Keyonte George was forced to leave the game against the Orlando Magic on Saturday, 7 February 2026. George had just been cleared to return for the matchup after missing three consecutive games due to a left ankle sprain sustained against the Brooklyn Nets last week.
During the second quarter of Saturday’s game, George rolled his right ankle and was seen limping heavily off the floor. The Jazz medical staff quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the contest. Before the exit, George recorded five points, one rebound, and one assist in limited action under a pre-planned minutes restriction. The team is expected to conduct further evaluations on Sunday to determine the severity of this new sprain.
Player Profile and Career Statistics
Since being drafted in 2023, George has evolved from a high-volume scoring prospect into a foundational piece of the Utah Jazz backcourt. Known for his “star ascension” during the 2025-26 season, he has become a primary playmaker for a young Jazz core that recently added Jaren Jackson Jr. via a blockbuster trade.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Guard (PG/SG) |
| Height | 6’4″ (193 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lbs |
| Draft Year | 2023 (Round 1, Pick 16) |
| College | Baylor |
| NBA Debut | 25 October 2023 |
| Key Awards | NBA All-Rookie Team, FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup MVP (2021) |
The “New Look” Jazz Core
Public sentiment around George has shifted significantly over the last week following the NBA trade deadline. With the acquisition of Jaren Jackson Jr., analysts and fans on platforms like Reddit have highlighted a new “Big Five” in Utah consisting of George, Ace Bailey, Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, and Walker Kessler. While George’s efficiency was a point of critique during his rookie campaign, his sophomore and junior seasons have seen him solidify his role as the team’s primary floor general, averaging career highs in points and assists prior to his recent injury struggles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Keyonte George?
Keyonte George suffered a right ankle sprain during the second quarter of the Jazz vs. Magic game on 7 February 2026. This occurred in his first game back from a previous left ankle injury.
How long will Keyonte George be out?
The Utah Jazz have not yet released a specific timeline for his return. He is expected to undergo further testing on 8 February 2026 to assess the damage to his right ankle.
What are Keyonte George’s college stats?
During his lone season at Baylor, George averaged 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, earning him a spot as a top prospect in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Is Keyonte George a point guard or a shooting guard?
While he entered the league as a scoring guard, George has transitioned into a primary point guard role for the Utah Jazz, though he frequently shifts to shooting guard depending on the lineup configuration.