Motiejunas (back) was recalled from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the D-League on Thursday, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Motiejunas is making an earlier return to the Rockets than expected because of injuries to both Terrence Jones (personal) and Clint Capela (hip). Jones has already been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Suns, so Motiejunas could see additional minutes if Capela winds up on the sideline as well.

Motiejunas (back) was reassigned to the D-League on Wednesday, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Motiejunas played with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers over the weekend, but had since returned to practice with the Rockets earlier this week as he nears his return from a back injury. The plan is for Motiejunas to play for the Vipers on their upcoming two-game road trip Thursday and Saturday before returning to Houston on Sunday. Assuming Motiejunas does not suffer any sort of setback, he could return to game action for the Rockets as early as Tuesday, when the team kicks off a five-game road swing against the defending champion Warriors.

Updating a previous report, Motiejunas (back) plans to make two more appearances with the D-League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers before suiting up for the Rockets, Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) reports.

EDGE Analysis

Motiejunas appeared for the D-League squad in a game over the past weekend before rejoining the Rockets for a practice Monday. It sounds like the Rockets still want him to get some more reps in a competitive environment while he works his way back from a long-term back injury, so it may not be until the upcoming weekend that Motiejunas is available for the NBA squad. Regardless of when he returns, Motiejunas will likely have a tough time finding consistent playing time, as Clint Capela, Josh Smith, and Terrence Jones both appear to rank ahead of him in the pecking order off the Rockets' bench.

Motiejunas (back) was recalled from Rio Grande Valley of the D-League on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Motiejunas spent the weekend in the D-League as a final tuneup before returning to an NBA court following a back injury that's kept him out for more than a month. The forward said he plans on making his return sometime this week, but at this point it's unclear which game, in particular, he's targeting. The Rockets host Miami on Tuesday before playing in Phoenix on Thursday and returning home to face Portland on Saturday.

Motiejunas (back) is expected to play with the D-League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Saturday, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Motiejunas was seen getting shots up during the Rockets' shootaround on Friday and is set to make a return to the court, although he'll make a quick stop in the D-League to make sure everything feels alright first. He'll play with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Saturday and if he emerges without any setbacks, Motiejunas could re-join the Rockets as soon as Tuesday's matchup with the Heat. We should see his status updated again within the next few days.

Motiejunas (back) has yet to resume working out, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Motiejunas remains without a timetable to return and looks like he could be facing an extended absence. While he's out, Terrence Jones and Montrezl Harrell should benefit from added minutes off the bench.

Interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged Wednesday that Motiejunas (back) is without a timetable for a return, Jenny Dial Creech of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Motiejunas, who underwent surgery on his back in April that delayed his season debut until early December, has been experiencing renewed soreness of late, which has resulted in him missing the Rockets' last two games. It doesn't sound like Bickerstaff is counting on Motiejunas returning for the remaining two games of the week, as the big man figures to be on tap for a regimen of rest and recovery. His absence will create added opportunities for Terrence Jones and rookie Montrezl Harrell off the bench.

Motiejunas (back) did not take part in Wednesday's practice, Jenny Dial Creech of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Motiejunas continues to nurse a back injury, an his absence from Wednesday's session adds further credence to the notion that he will not play Thursday against Utah. An MRI revealed no significant damage, however, so Motiejunas is unlikely to be in for an extended absence.

Motiejunas (back) is not expected to play Thursday against the Jazz as Houston won't set a timeline for his return until he's pain free, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Motiejunas has already missed two games with back soreness but fortunately a recent MRI didn't reveal any significant damage. The forward has a long history of back ailments, however, so the Rockets will be erring on the side of caution as to not re-injure a herniated disk which was surgically repaired last year.

Motiejunas (back) has been ruled out of Monday's game against the Jazz, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Motiejunas is dealing with a sore back and will sit out a second consecutive game on Monday. With Motiejunas on the sideline, look for Terrence Jones and Clint Capela to see an increase in their playing time. He didn't travel with the Rockets on their road trip, so his next opportunity to play will be in Thursday's game against the Jazz.