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It didn’t take very long for Jonathan Isaac’s ankle issues to resurface.
Having missed all but 27 games during his rookie season due to lingering ankle injuries, Isaac suffered a sprain in the opening quarter of the Magic’s first preseason game after stepping on the foot of Dario Saric. Isaac re-entered the game in the second quarter but lasted just 30 seconds before he was taken out, not to return.
Jonathan Isaac: Right ankle sprain. Will not return.
— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) October 2, 2018
A fanbase that is eagerly anticipating the next phase of the 20-year-old’s development was obviously concerned by Isaac’s early exit. And those concerns were not exactly alleviated when Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reported that Isaac’s sprain was mild and that he would be day-to-day, considering Isaac was initially listed as day-to-day last season before missing extended time.
Jonathan Isaac's injury from last night's exhibition game in Philadelphia has been diagnosed as a mild right ankle sprain, a team official told the @OrlandoSentinel. The team likely will list him as "day-to-day," but chances are the Magic will proceed cautiously and not rush him.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) October 2, 2018
But at the Magic’s open practice at the Amway Center on Tuesday, Isaac was back on the court, participating in all team drills.
Good sight at @OrlandoMagic Open Practice as @jisaac_01 takes part in all team activities. pic.twitter.com/qkaFnVBghL
— Dan Savage (@Dan_Savage) October 2, 2018
Jonathan Isaac looks to be moving just fine after suffering a mild ankle sprain last night. pic.twitter.com/GpKmCeNlyb
— The Lando (@TheLando__) October 2, 2018
“It’s a little tender but nothing that’s scaring me or has me concerned,” Isaac told reporters after the practice.
The Magic have not announced a time frame for Isaac’s return. Given his history, and the Magic’s understandable desire to take a cautious approach rather than rush the process and risk further injury, there is no telling at the moment whether Isaac will be on the court for the Magic’s home opener on October 17.