The Kentucky Wildcats have added another win under their belt. Kentucky took the floor against Eastern Illinois on Friday night and came out victorious with a final score of 99-53. However, it was without their junior point guard Jaland Lowe, who was absent from warmups and did not participate in any basketball activity at Rupp Arena. Which left many fans asking, What happened?

As per reports, Lowe reinjured his right shoulder, marking the second setback to the same shoulder in less than a month. The Wildcats barely had time to ease Jaland Lowe back in. He’d been out for a full month with a right-shoulder issue, missing every exhibition and the first game of the season. Lowe appeared in the next two games, including a 30-minute stint against Louisville, where he posted 9 points, 1 rebound, and 5.

But with the Wildcats evaluating the severity of the reinjury, Jaland Lowe’s status moving forward remains uncertain.

What Is Jaland Lowe’s Injury Status After Re-Tweaking His Shoulder at Kentucky?

Jaland Lowe’s second injury came during practice on Thursday, leading the Wildcats to rule him out for Friday’s contest. Head coach Mark Pope said the team is still “figuring out the next step” and confirmed that Lowe is currently under evaluation to determine if surgery or a short-term recovery plan is needed.

Speaking to the Herald Leader, Lowe’s father, Marland Lowe, said, “There are a lot of possibilities, but right now, we’re just waiting to hear what they (medical professionals) say. So we’ll know what the next move is.”

Lowe and his family were scheduled to meet with the medical personnel later in the day at 7 p.m. before the Kentucky game against Eastern Illinois. However, even after the match has been concluded, there haven’t been any further updates yet.

Will Jaland Lowe Miss the Season? Expected Recovery Timeline and Return Possibilities

Despite the setback, there’s no clear timeline for Jaland Lowe’s return, as the medical reports show no ligament damage. While there have been speculations that Lowe might have to undergo surgery that would end his season, his father confirmed on Friday that no season-ending diagnosis has been given so far.

He said, “He had an MRI, and nothing came back any worse than what it was before. So we just have to see what the doctors say.”

For now, coach Pope plans to sit down with all the stakeholders to figure out the next course of action. “Right now it’s going to be more just the whole group, the whole medical team, mom and dad, J-Lo and me, sitting down and having a real conversation about what’s the best thing to do moving forward,” he revealed.

Who Will Replace Jaland Lowe in Kentucky’s Backcourt? Rotation Outlook After His Injury

With Jaland Lowe sidelined, it’s Denzel Aberdeen on whose shoulders the responsibilities of guard duties have fallen. The Florida transfer has already impressed head coach Mark Pope, who called Aberdeen a player with a “special competitor’s heart.”

His performance against Louisville, where he scored a career-high 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds, was especially noteworthy. Besides, he has maintained double-digit scoring in every game so far this season. With Lowe potentially out for an extended period, Aberdeen’s role will grow even more, providing stability and scoring in the backcourt.

Alongside Aberdeen, sophomore Collin Chandler and freshman Jasper Johnson are expected to see expanded minutes, giving Kentucky depth and flexibility while the team navigates Lowe’s recovery. Aberdeen’s leadership and consistency will be crucial as the Wildcats face a challenging early-season schedule.

As the Wildcats navigate this tough situation, fans will be watching closely to see how the backcourt adapts and whether Kentucky can continue its strong start without its junior point guard. How do you think Kentucky will handle this setback? Share your thoughts in the comments!