Joshua Jefferson injury update: Will Iowa State star forward play vs Tennessee?

· Yahoo Sports

CHICAGO — In the final injury report ahead of the Sweet 16 matchup from the United Center on Friday, March 27, the No. 2-seeded Cyclones listed Jefferson as "questionable" against No. 6-seed Tennessee. The game is set for a 10:10 p.m. ET tipoff.

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Jefferson went down in the opening minutes of the first round with an ankle injury and has been sidelined since, including Iowa State's second-round victory over Kentucky.

The senior is second on the Cyclones with his 16.4 points per game and led the team with 7.4 rebounds per game. His return would be crucial to help Iowa State reach the Elite Eight for the first time since the 2000 NCAA Tournament.

Here's the latest on Jefferson:

Will Joshua Jefferson play vs Tennessee? Iowa State guard status for March Madness Sweet 16 game

Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger told reporters on Thursday that Jefferson would be a game-time decision for Friday night's Sweet 16 game vs. Tennessee.

Otzelberger added that the final decision would come from Jefferson, closer to tipoff time. He was listed as "questionable" on the injury report at 6:30 p.m. ET.

"Yeah, there's nothing new at this point," Otzelberger said. "We're going to give him every opportunity up until the game to do everything he can. He's a fierce competitor. Our medical staff has been amazing, and he's continued to work diligently.

"But at this point, it would be premature to make any type of determination until we get closer to tip."

Did Joshua Jefferson practice ahead of Friday's Sweet 16 game vs Tennessee?

Jefferson was present for the 15-minutes the media could observe practice on Thursday, March 26. While he opened the period, taking shots with teammates, he moved to midcourt and was seen dribbling and talking to coaches for most of that session.

Jefferson was wearing pink high-top shoes with long socks, but had shed the boot he had been observed in previously.

What is Joshua Jefferson's injury?

Jefferson is dealing with an ankle injury he suffered against Middle Tennessee State on Friday, March 20.

He was seen on crutches for the remainder of the game and then ruled out for Iowa State's second-round win over Kentucky and was seen riding a scooter.

Here's a look at his injury:

Joshua Jefferson stats

Here's a look at Jefferson's season stats:

  • Points: 16.4
  • Rebounds: 7.4
  • Assists: 4.8
  • Blocks: 0.8
  • Steals: 1.6
  • Shooting: 47.1%
  • 3-Point Shooting: 34.5%

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joshua Jefferson injury update: Will Iowa State star play in Sweet 16?

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