Suns’ Miles Bridges progressing from ankle tweak; Ott not committing to Wednesday

PHOENIX — Oct. 13, 2026 — Miles Bridges is progressing well from the right-ankle tweak that cut short his preseason outing against Chicago, but Phoenix Suns coach Jordan Ott stopped short of committing the forward to Wednesday’s game as the club balances recovery against chemistry work before Oct. 21.

Cautious timeline after the Bulls game

Bridges left early in the second quarter of last Wednesday’s contest after twisting his right ankle when he fell to the floor. He then sat out Saturday’s home game against San Antonio as a precaution. With eight days remaining until the regular-season opener as of Monday’s update, the staff has room to let the ankle settle without immediately forcing minutes.

Ott’s Monday comments framed the recovery as positive while leaving Wednesday’s availability undecided. That approach mirrors how many teams treat late-preseason soft-tissue issues: gather information in practice, avoid aggravation, and keep the opener as the priority date.

Starter chemistry vs. injury risk

Bridges is the main new piece in a starting group that otherwise returns familiar faces, so missed exhibitions cost shared reps. Early preseason glimpses had shown him adapting quickly. Sitting the final tune-ups would also free minutes for Luke Kennard, Rasheer Fleming and Ryan Dunn as the staff sorts rotation roles.

Phoenix has reason to be careful. Last season, a quick return from a hamstring issue for Jalen Green was followed by a longer setback after re-injury, a reminder that short-term chemistry can be expensive if the ankle is not ready. For a first-year Sun signed to help the wing group, staying healthy for October matters more than one more preseason box score.

Next steps

The Suns play at San Antonio on Wednesday. Whether Bridges suits up or continues limited work, the organization has signaled that progress is real and that clearance will be earned rather than assumed. Opening night remains the fixed target on the calendar.

More on WhyNBA: Miles Bridges player page, initial Bridges ankle report, Phoenix Suns team page.