Kyle Filipowski still working back from surgery, Jazz coach offers no firm return date

Kyle Filipowski is making progress after offseason back surgery, but Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy has not given a firm date for his return to the court. Hardy’s October 10 update leaves the big man’s preseason availability unresolved while Utah is also dealing with an injury to starting center Jusuf Nurkic.

In remarks reported by Hoops Rumors from Salt Lake Tribune reporter Shreyas Laddha’s video, Hardy said Filipowski was “progressing well” and going through the steps needed to get back on the court. NBC Sports reported that he has not been cleared to resume on-court work.

Asked Jazz coach Will Hardy for an update on Kyle Filipowski's status (lower back injury).

Here's what he said. pic.twitter.com/NB6iwy24fQ

— Shreyas Laddha (@shre98) October 10, 2026

Progress is not a return timetable

“We’re hopeful that he’s back with us soon,” Hardy said, according to Hoops Rumors. “I know ‘soon’ is an arbitrary word, but he’s going through all the necessary steps to get back on the court.” The coach also described a long summer of rehabilitation and a player eager to return.

Filipowski underwent surgery to address a herniated disc. At media day on September 28, Jazz executive Austin Ainge said he had been cleared for training camp, according to Hoops Rumors. The latest update is more cautious: Filipowski has missed both Utah preseason games, and his recovery remains ongoing.

That distinction matters for Utah’s frontcourt. Nurkic is expected to miss at least four weeks with a toe injury, leaving the Jazz without two potential options in the middle for now. Hardy’s comments do not establish that Filipowski will miss opening night, but they also do not confirm that he will be ready.

Filipowski appeared in 77 games last season, including 41 starts, after Utah selected him 32nd overall in the 2024 draft. His next step is returning to court activity, rather than a confirmed game appearance.

Checked October 11, 2026 (Cairo), covering Hardy’s October 10 update. Lead image: Utah’s arena in April 2021, then named Vivint Arena, by Another Believer / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized. File photo.