Sport: College Sports Category: Injuries

Nets' Mikel Brown Jr. and Joshua Jefferson ruled out for preseason opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 5, 2026, 8:18 PM

Last updated Oct 5, 2026

Nets' Mikel Brown Jr. and Joshua Jefferson ruled out for preseason opener

Summary

The Brooklyn Nets will be without rookies Mikel Brown Jr. and Joshua Jefferson for their preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. Both players are sidelined due to injuries, with Brown recovering from a left ankle sprain and Jefferson dealing with stiffness in his lower back. Head coach Jordi Fernandez noted that while Brown is making progress and has started some contact work, he is not ready to play. Jefferson previously dealt with an ankle injury during the NCAA Tournament but had appeared to be back before this latest issue. The Nets continue their training camp as they look to finalize their roster ahead of the regular season.

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Status Watch

•Brown out with a left ankle sprain; Jefferson with lower back stiffness.
•Nets face the Hornets in their preseason opener on Tuesday.
•Fernandez optimistic about Brown's recovery as he returns to contact drills.
•Jefferson's back issue follows an ankle injury suffered earlier this year.

Latest Updates

8:18 PMYahoo Sports — Nets' Mikel Brown Jr., Joshua Jefferson out Tuesday at Hornets

What they're saying

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The Brooklyn Nets ruled out rookies Mikel Brown Jr. (ankle) and Joshua Jefferson (back) for Tuesday's preseason opener at the Charlotte Hornets.
— Yahoo Sports

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