Zach Edey has been medically cleared for on-court activity after progressing as expected through his ankle rehabilitation, putting the Memphis Grizzlies center on track to play in the October 21 season opener, according to general manager Zach Kleiman. Chris Herrington of The Daily Memphian reported the clearance following comments made at the team’s media day on Monday, September 28, 2026.
Zach Edey Cleared for On-Court Work Following Left Ankle Surgeries
Edey spent the majority of the previous season sidelined after undergoing two separate surgical procedures on his left ankle. The first operation occurred in June 2025 to address excessive ligamentous laxity, while a second procedure followed in March to alleviate ongoing bone stress and discomfort. The center was limited to just 11 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign.
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Despite missing extended time, Edey delivered productive averages of 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 25.8 minutes per night, shooting 63.3% from the field and helping Memphis post a 7-4 record in games he played. Edey finished fifth in the 2024/25 Rookie of the Year balloting. Addressing reporters on Monday, Edey acknowledged the physical hurdles of his recovery. “There’s still good and bad days with it,” Edey said via Twitter, as cited by The Daily Memphian. “That’s just part of the rehab, but on the good days I feel more athletic than I ever have.” Kleiman added that the third-year center could also see playing time during the upcoming preseason schedule.
Front Office Shifts Focus After Ja Morant Trade
During Monday’s media session, Kleiman addressed the organization’s decision to trade Ja Morant to Portland after a seven-year tenure, as reported by Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal. Morant’s tenure in Memphis featured injuries and off-court issues over the prior three years that disrupted his trajectory. Kleiman noted that friction with the coaching staff last season and private trade requests pushed the front office to “pick a lane” regarding Morant’s future with the franchise.
Roster Outlook and Injury Updates in Memphis
The Grizzlies face additional roster evaluations as training camp opens. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo expressed confidence in Ty Jerome, highlighting that Jerome maintained an efficiency pace across 15 games last season that only Luka Doncic has matched over a full year, according to Cole. Meanwhile, newly acquired Micah Peavy is sidelined after turning his ankle, with Kleiman stating it will be some time before the former New Orleans player debuts. Peavy is among several players competing for spots as Memphis manages 18 standard contracts.
Regarding second-round draft pick Richie Saunders, Kleiman described the situation as a “wait and see” approach. The former BYU star tore his ACL in February and faces a lengthy recovery that may keep him out for a significant portion of the season.