Tyler Herro’s Frustrating Injury Saga Continues as Heat Look to Regain Rhythm
MIAMI - For a Miami Heat team aiming to climb the Eastern Conference ladder, the biggest opponent this season hasn’t always been on the court - it's been the injury report. And at the center of that struggle is Tyler Herro, whose season has been defined more by rehab than rhythm.
Herro missed his 14th straight game Monday night due to a rib injury, officially listed as a “right costochondral injury.” It’s the latest in a string of setbacks that have kept the Heat’s dynamic guard sidelined for a total of 44 games this season. And while the team continues to battle for playoff positioning, the absence of one of their most potent offensive weapons is being felt.
The injury woes started early for Herro. He missed the first 17 games of the season recovering from offseason ankle surgery, then was sidelined again with a toe contusion.
Erik Spoelstra was asked about a potential update on Tyler Herro and if there is a timeline.
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 9, 2026
“I don't have a timeline, but I can tell you he is making progress…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/hV8VPbyDyb
Now, it’s the ribs - a painful and tricky injury that doesn’t come with a clear-cut timetable. And as much as fans and the organization would love to pencil in a return date, head coach Erik Spoelstra isn’t offering one just yet.
“I don’t have a timeline,” Spoelstra said pregame on Monday. “But I can tell you, he is making progress.
He’s doing what he needs to do behind the scenes, and we’ll just continue to treat him. And when there is an update, I’ll let you know.”
That’s been the theme all season - cautious optimism. Spoelstra, who’s coached Herro since he entered the league, knows what the 24-year-old brings to the table when healthy. And he also knows Herro’s mindset.
“There’s things that sometimes happen for players in this league that you can’t control,” Spoelstra said. “The one thing I do know about Tyler is he has resolve.
No update on Herro, but would ask Erik Spoelstra about the disappointment from him missing close to 40 games with a myriad of injuries.
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) January 31, 2026
“The one thing I know about Tyler…is he has resolve…right now, it’s just getting healthy and they’ll put in the work…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/8egipXHHzI
He has grit. He fights through and focuses on the things that he can control.
Right now, it’s just getting healthy. And I’ve always admired that quality about him.”
When Herro has been on the court this year, he’s looked like himself - averaging 21.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting a strong 49.7% from the field and 35.8% from deep. But 11 games played isn’t nearly enough for a player expected to be a key contributor on a team with playoff aspirations.
The timing of his absence is tough. Miami is hovering around .500, entering Monday’s game at 28-26 and sitting eighth in the East. With the trade deadline now in the rearview and the All-Star break on the horizon, the Heat are hoping to build some momentum - but they’ll need all hands on deck to do it.
Other injuries aren’t helping. Norman Powell and Pelle Larsson were both ruled out for Monday’s matchup against the Jazz, further thinning a rotation that’s had to get creative all season. Powell, however, will still represent Miami during All-Star Weekend, making his first appearance in the All-Star Game and competing in the three-point contest - a spot Herro himself held down last year when he took home the trophy.
Also participating in All-Star events are Kel’el Ware, Keshad Johnson, and Jahmir Young, giving Miami some presence during the break. But for Herro, the time off is less about celebration and more about recovery. The hope is that the extended rest will allow his ribs to fully heal, giving him a chance to rejoin the team post-break when they visit the Atlanta Hawks on February 20.
Whether he’ll be ready by then is still up in the air. But one thing is clear - if the Heat are going to make a serious push down the stretch, they’ll need Herro’s scoring punch back in the lineup. For now, it’s a waiting game, but one Miami is hoping ends sooner rather than later.