Tyler Herro Looks to Bounce Back After Injury-Plagued Season

The Miami Heat guard has missed 45 games this season due to various injuries, but is ready to return and help his team make a playoff push.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Tyler Herro, the former Sixth Man of the Year for the Miami Heat, has had a frustrating season filled with injuries. He's missed 45 games due to ankle, toe, and rib issues, and the Heat have managed to stay afloat at 25-20 without him. Now healthy, Herro is looking to return and help the Heat make a playoff push down the stretch, though he acknowledges the damage to his reputation and availability has already been done.

Why it matters

Herro is a key part of the Heat's rotation when healthy, providing scoring punch off the bench. His absence has forced other players like Norman Powell to step up, but the Heat are clearly a better team with Herro available. His return could provide a boost as Miami tries to solidify its playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

The details

Herro has been limited to just 11 games this season due to the various injuries. He said there was "nothing I could magically do" about the rib fracture that kept him out for the last 15 games. Now healthy, Herro is expected to return to the lineup as soon as Friday's game against the Hawks, though it's unclear if he'll start or come off the bench. The Heat have had success with Pelle Larsson in the starting lineup, but Herro's return could shake up the rotation.

  • Herro has missed 45 games so far this season due to ankle, toe, and rib injuries.
  • Herro is expected to return to the lineup as soon as Friday's game against the Hawks.

The players

Tyler Herro

The Miami Heat guard and former Sixth Man of the Year who has missed most of this season due to injuries.

Norman Powell

The Heat's All-Star this season who has stepped up in Herro's absence, though he has also missed time with injuries.

Pelle Larsson

A Heat player who has started games in Herro's absence, helping the team maintain a 25-20 record without their key scorer.

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What they’re saying

“There's nothing I could magically do. I had three fractured ribs.. just doing normal lifestyle things I couldn't do. I feel good [now]. I feel just as good as last year actually. I feel great.”

— Tyler Herro

What’s next

If Herro is able to return on Friday against the Hawks, it will be interesting to see if he starts or comes off the bench, and how his return impacts the Heat's rotation and rotation. The team will be hoping he can provide a spark and help them solidify their playoff positioning in the second half of the season.

The takeaway

Tyler Herro's injury-plagued season has been a frustrating one, both for him and the Heat. While the team has managed to stay afloat without him, his return could provide a much-needed boost as Miami tries to secure a playoff spot. If Herro can stay healthy and regain his form, he could be a key piece for the Heat down the stretch.