Jazz's Burks well ahead of schedule, could return Monday

The timetable for Alec Burks may not have needed adjusting, after all.

The Utah Jazz swingman was injured Dec. 2 after being on the bad end of an Arron Afflalo flagrant foul, getting ruled out for two games with shoulder inflammation. From there, the team changed his timeline to two weeks after surgical options were ruled out.

Now, Burks may return having missed just two games after all. Burks has been cleared to practice already and is questionable for Monday's game against the Sacramento kings, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. While Monday isn't a certainty, this week is Burks' target.

"I'm thankful that the diagnosis came out positive," Burks said Sunday. "It makes you appreciate things. I just want to try and take things day by day. I want to make sure my shoulder is rehabbed."

Rodney Hood has started in Burks' place for the past two games, acquitting himself very well, but Burks should resume his starting spot when ready. In 18 games, Burks is averaging 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and three assists, and the team has been 1.2 points per-100 possessions better with him on the floor than without.