Darius Garland Injury Update
Darius Garland, that elusive Cleveland Cavaliers floor general, is finally on the verge of making his 2025-26 season debut after what felt like a summer and autumn of endless injury chatter. After toe surgery in the offseason blame last year’s brutal playoff stretch Garland was rehabbing, rehabbing, and then, yeah, some more rehabbing. The prospect of him sitting out another chunk of games had many Cavs fans eyeing the injury report like it was a weather app before a backyard BBQ.
Now, there’s real movement: team insiders and even Coach Kenny Atkinson have started dropping hints louder than a radio at full volume that Garland’s return is just about here. He’s been scrimmaging with the Cavs’ G League squad, shaking off rust and getting in game-like situations. Apparently, not only is he moving well, there’s been none of that dreaded soreness a word that can make an NBA coach shudder like someone just mentioned “Achilles.” The vibe from the team? “Very close.” As close as you get without quite being handed that starting jersey.
When a player is rehabbing a tricky toe, you just know every everyday detail matters. There was a story from practice Garland running full court, quick-cutting, laughing with teammates. The young guard averaged over 20 points and six assists last season and helped steer the team to a league-best 65 wins. That’s not someone you want to rush, but also not someone you can replace with a shrug and a “next man up.”
Garland already penciled in his return for the first week of November. The Cavs face the Hawks and 76ers soon, both games at home, and those spots have fans whispering “maybe tonight?” in the crowd. Even Atkinson says, “No setbacks, not even discomfort.” And honestly, no news is good news when you’re crossing days off the calendar for your star guard. The Cavaliers have had to hand more responsibilities to Donovan Mitchell and the supporting cast, who’ve mostly kept the ship afloat. But you can almost feel the anticipation building, not just among fans, but around the league everyone wants to see if Garland comes back looking as sharp as ever.
Garland’s return is imminent, the team’s confidence is high, and if you’re feeling a little antsy, you’re right there with the rest of Cleveland. The Cavs’ point guard isn’t just a name on the roster he’s an engine, and that engine is revving up for what should be an electric homecoming.
