Kentucky’s Kerr Kriisa Makes Progress in Injury Recovery

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky Wildcats point guard Kerr Kriisa is making steady progress in his recovery from a foot injury, head coach Mark Pope announced Monday. Kriisa, who has been sidelined since Dec. 7 after breaking his foot during a game against Gonzaga, is now able to remove his walking boot for short periods, marking a significant step in his rehabilitation.

“Kerr is out of the boot for at least little segments of the day, which he’s excited about,” Pope said during his weekly radio show. “It’s not full-time, but he’ll begin some rehab here in the next couple of weeks, and then it’s just a matter of seeing how fast and cleanly he can progress. We still don’t really have a timeframe, but we’re making progress on that.”

Kriisa, a fifth-year guard who transferred from West Virginia, has been a key contributor for the Wildcats this season, averaging 4.4 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game. His absence has left a noticeable gap in Kentucky’s backcourt, but the team has managed to stay competitive by relying on its depth.

Pope emphasized the importance of a cautious approach to Kriisa’s recovery to ensure his long-term health. “It’s a major deal, and it’s going to take some time,” Pope said. “We’re taking the little wins when we can get them.”

Kriisa underwent surgery shortly after the injury, and while it was confirmed that the injury was not season-ending, his return timeline remains uncertain. Pope initially suggested a six-week recovery period, but progress has been slower than anticipated. Kriisa returned to the weight room on Dec. 17, but his participation in full practices is still a ways off.

The Wildcats have faced a challenging stretch of games without Kriisa, including matchups against Texas A&M, Alabama, and Vanderbilt. His potential return could provide a significant boost as Kentucky aims to build momentum in conference play and make a strong push toward the postseason.

For now, Kriisa’s recovery continues to be a day-by-day process. “We’ll be ready for you when you are, No. 77,” Pope said, referencing Kriisa’s jersey number. Kentucky fans and teammates alike remain hopeful that his return will align with the team’s aspirations for a deep postseason run.