Barton (groin) participated in some parts of Saturday's shootaround and will be a game-time call against Phoenix, Mike Singer of The Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Michael Malone is evidently pleased with Barton's progress, and he even noted "we'll definitely see if we can throw him out there tonight." Although Barton's minutes will be restricted in the first few games following his lengthy absence, this development is positive news for the Nuggets.

Barton (groin) has been upgraded to questionable for Saturday's matchup against the Suns, Harrison Wind of BSNDenver.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barton hasn't played since the second game of the season due to a groin injury, but signs are pointing to him making his return in the immediate future. Once he returns, which could be as soon as Saturday, it's possible coach Michael Malone will ease Barton in by bringing him off the bench and limiting his minutes, as was the case for Gary Harris and Paul Millsap. Barton averaged 15.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.0 steal in 33.1 minutes last season, and his return will presumably mean reduced roles for the likes of Torrey Craig, Malik Beasley and possibly Monte Morris.

Coach Mike Malone said Barton (groin) should be back "in the next couple of weeks," Harrison Wind of BSNDenver.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barton has been sidelined since the second game of the season, and while he's reportedly improving, his return doesn't appear to be imminent. It's worth noting that Malone gave Barton a similar timetable near the end of December.

Barton (groin) is out for Monday's contest against the Rockets, Adam Mares of DenverStiffs.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barton continues to be day-to-day regarding his injury status but will remain out Monday versus the Rockets. Not playing since Oct. 20 due to a hampering going injury that required surgery, it'll be the 36th straight game that Barton will be inactive for. Barton still has a realistic shot at finally returning Tuesday at Miami although it's definitely not certain.

Barton (groin) remains out Friday against the Hornets, Christian Clark of BSNDenver.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barton is day-to-day at this point in working back from his core injury. While a return appears imminent, it won't come Friday. His next chance to play will arrive Monday against the Rockets, giving Barton the weekend to continue his recovery.

Barton (groin) remains out for Thursday's contest against the Kings, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barton, who has been out since Oct. 20 while recovering from groin surgery, is reportedly on track to return sometime this week but it won't be Thursday. The Nuggets host Charlotte on Saturday and Barton will probably end up being a game-time decision. When the former second-round pick ends up returning, Barton will likely have to gradually work his way back into his usual role with the Nuggets.

Coach Mike Malone said Barton (groin) is on track to return within the next week, T.J. McBride of Mile High Sports reports. "Yeah, that is the hope. Gary is closer than Will, to be honest. If we can get Gary back hopefully in the next couple games & then Will after that, it will be great to be healthy & whole once again."

EDGE Analysis

Barton is nearing a return from the groin injury that has kept him sidelined for the majority of the season, though it sounds like he'll miss at least a couple more games. A more concrete return date will hopefully come into focus as he continues to ramp up his activity -- Barton went though portions of practice Monday. In the meantime, Torrey Craig and Juancho Hernangomez should continue to benefit from his absence.

Barton (groin) is out Saturday against the Suns, T.J. McBride of Mile High Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barton is nearing a return from his groin injury, but isn't quite ready to jump back onto the court. His next chance to play is Tuesday against the Knicks.

Barton (groin) will not play Friday against the Spurs, T.J. McBride of Mile High Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barton is near a return from his groin injury, but he won't be able to take the floor Friday. His next chance to play is Saturday against the Suns, and additional information about his status should arrive in the coming days, especially if he ramps up his activity at practice.

Barton (groin) will remain out Wednesday against the Spurs, Mike Singer of the Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barton is nearing his return from the groin injury that's kept him out since the second game of the season, but he'll remain out Wednesday as the Nuggets head into a three-games-in-four-nights scenario. The hope is that Barton could be back Friday (vs. SAN) or Saturday (at PHO), but at this point he should be considered very much questionable. Whenever he does return, Barton will likely face a minutes restriction for at least a few games, but he's expected to eventually return to the starting lineup.