Rose's Turf Toe Worsens, Likely Will Not Play Versus Wizards

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jan 11, 2012 11:00PM

Image via YouTube screen grab

With a 9-2 record and aspirations for an NBA championship, the four words no Bulls fan wants to hear are "Derrick Rose is injured." Well, Derrick Rose is injured.

Tribune Bulls beat reporter K.C. Johnson is reporting that Rose likely will not play in tonight's game against the Washington Wizards. The NBA MVP scored 31 points and dished out 11 assists last night in Minnesota while fighting through turf toe on his left foot.

WSCR-AM Bulls insider David Schuster reported Rose re-aggravated the injury last night and arrived at the United Center wearing a walking boot. Rose has battled through turf toe, or a metatarsalphalangeal joint sprain, before.

Here's what Wikipedia has to say about the effects of turf toe on athletes.

"The injury can be debilitating for athletes who need to accelerate, quickly change direction, or jump. Use of the toes is not possible during the healing process. Since the toes are necessary for proper push-off when accelerating, those sorts of athletic activities can be almost completely curtailed. A healing period of one or more months is often required."

If anyone needs to accelerate, quickly change direction, or jump, it's Rose.

Multiple outlets are reporting the Bulls signed NBA veteran Mike James to fill Rose's roster spot for tonight.