How long will RJ Barrett be out? Shoulder injury timeline, return date, latest updates for Raptors forward

RJ Barrett’s first preseason as a Raptor got off to a good start, but he won’t be available for opening night.

Barrett shined in the season opener in Toronto before suffering an apparent shoulder injury that forced him to leave the game early. After missing the rest of the preseason, he is working to get back on the floor when the regular season begins.

What is Barrett’s injury? Here’s everything you need to know about what Toronto’s forward is dealing with and when to expect him back on the field.

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What is RJ Barrett’s injury?

Barrett’s injury is a sprain of the AC (acromioclavicular) joint in his right shoulder, the Raptors announced on Oct. 8. He suffered the injury in the team’s season opener against the Wizards in Montreal.

The AC joint is where the shoulder blade meets the collarbone. A joint sprain occurs when the ligaments inside are damaged. It’s the same injury suffered by Raptors rookie Ja’Kobe Walter.

At the time of his injury, Barrett had scored 17 points on 7 of 10 shooting in 14 minutes of action. He left the game and did not return.

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