Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons is nearing a return from a broken thumb. Simons practiced with the Blazers on Monday and reportedly went through most of practice, seemingly without any issue.

Portland coach Chauncey Billups was enthusiastic about Simons' upcoming return, saying “I’m hoping the next game!” when asked when his starting guard might play. Malcolm Brogdon added that Simons looked great in practice.

The sixth-year guard was injured in the Trail Blazers first game of the season. Simons was expected to miss six weeks, putting his return right on schedule.

Jerami Grant has been placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol.   

Grant left Saturday night’s game at Utah during the fourth quarter and did not return.   

Per the NBA’s Concussion Policy, Grant will now begin the NBA-mandated Return-to-Participation Protocol. 

The Portland Trail Blazers have been granted a $5.8 million Disabled Player Exception for the season-ending injury to Robert Williams III.

The Blazers acquired Williams as part of the Jrue Holiday trade with the Boston Celtics.

Williams is out for the season with knee surgery.