Torrey Craig will miss two months due to an acute sprain of the right plantar fascia

This is a huge blow for the Bulls.

© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls’ rotation became thinner after the team announced that rugged forward Torrey Craig would miss up to two months of action due to "an acute sprain of his right plantar fascia." According to the Bulls’ medical staff, Craig “will be immobilized for four weeks and then require another four to six weeks of rehabilitation.”

Injury Update: Torrey Craig has been diagnosed with an acute sprain of his right plantar fascia.

Craig will be immobilized for approximately four weeks followed by a period of rehabilitation projected to require an additional four to six weeks.

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 19, 2023

A memorable birthday

Tuesday was Craig's birthday, but the news he received wasn't what he had hoped for. The versatile wingman suffered the injury on Saturday night in a game against the Miami Heat. Craig had it going in that game, making four triples in the first half. However, he was ruled out at the turn due to the injury.

Craig is one of the Bulls’ two key acquisitions in the offseason—the one being sparkplug guard Jevon Carter. Though his numbers don’t stand out (6.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in 27 games), his value exceeds the box score. The seven-year pro brings a tenacious attitude to the floor every night. He’s also an excellent defender, often guarding the opponent’s most promising player.

A vocal leader

A veteran’s presence in the locker room cannot be overstated. Craig is a vocal leader on the Bulls roster, and according to guard Coby White, his presence is felt throughout the team dynamic.

“He cares about winning and defense. That's it. He takes pride in every matchup he has. He never wants a double-team. And especially on the defensive end, he's always talking and teaching us young guys," Coby White said.

"And the one thing I love about him is he's not afraid to use his voice. Even sometimes, if it's not what the coaches said but the players feel. If the players feel a certain type of way, he's going to be the one who will say, 'We feel like we should do this.' And then we come to a common ground, which is great for communication. That's what he brings to the table. That's why you could put him on any team, and he's going to thrive. He's going to hoop."

Torrey Craig drills back-to-back triples 😮‍💨

pic.twitter.com/jfkxOYxsB0

— Bulls Nation (@BullsNationCP) December 17, 2023

Torrey Craig injury update: Veteran set to undergo further scanning after missing 76ers game due to heel issues