Rudy Fernandez returned to action on Thursday March 22.

Rudy Fernandez needs lower back surgery and is expected to miss the rest of the regular season. Fernandez has missed 16 games already this season due to continued chronic back woes. With less than five weeks left in the regular season, his status for the playoffs is certainly in doubt as well. With Danilo Gallinari (thumb) also out, the Nuggets' wing rotation is down to Arron Afflalo, Wilson Chandler, Al Harrington and Corey Brewer.

The Nuggets are now listing Rudy Fernandez as "out indefinitely" with a lower back strain. Rudy missed 11 games before returning and playing at half-speed in four games, and his absence could be measured in weeks rather than days. Aaron Afflalo and Wilson Chandler are the most obvious beneficiaries of his absence.

Rudy Fernandez (back) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Pistons. Fernandez has dealt with a bad back all season long and it's bothering him once again. With averages of 8.7 points and 1.3 treys in 23 minutes per game, owners in standard-sized leagues can do better on the waiver wire. Wilson Chandler's fantasy stock continues to point in the right direction.

Rudy Fernandez returned from a lengthy absence due to a back injury on Tuesday, scoring five points on 2-of-5 shooting (including a three) with four rebounds and three assists in 16 minutes off the bench. Fernandez isn't going to have much fantasy value of his own with things getting crowded in Denver, but he'll help to limit the value of guys like Andre Miller and Arron Afflalo.

Rudy Fernandez (back) "seemed confident" he'd be able to play on Tuesday. We'll have to see it to believe it. Fernandez hasn't been on the floor since February 17. Even if he does wind up playing on Tuesday, it's awfully hard to count on him to produce a useful line for fantasy owners with everybody in Denver getting healthy. Owners in standard-sized leagues can find better options on the waiver wire.

Rudy Fernandez (strained lower back) is out again for the Nuggets on Sunday. Rudy remains day-to-day but there's been a dearth of information about his injury, which isn't encouraging. He has now missed 11 consecutive games.

Rudy Fernandez (back) did not play on Friday against the Hornets. One has to wonder how much of his recent stay on the injured list is the Nuggets playing it safe and how much of this means he's seriously hurt. Fernandez has been listed as being close to a return for a while, and the Nuggets haven't appeared to be overly concerned, but the results say otherwise.

Rudy Fernandez (back) is not expected to play in Wednesday's game against the Cavs. Fernandez's back issue has become severe. Wednesday will mark his eighth straight game sidelined.

Rudy Fernandez (back) is doubtful for Monday's game against the Kings. Fernandez has missed seven straight games with his lower back strain. He continues to be listed as day-to-day.