Adam Fox is skating again, but it doesn’t mean he’s back. The Rangers’ defenseman returned to practice after missing six games, though he was in a non-contact jersey, which means he’s not cleared for full play yet.
His return is a good sign, but no one knows how soon he’ll be in the lineup.
- Adam Fox returned to practice after suffering an upper-body injury against the Islanders on March 3, though he remains on injured reserve.
- No official return date is set, but his participation in non-contact practice signals progress, giving hope to Rangers fans.
- The Rangers have struggled defensively in his absence, relying on Zac Jones and Will Borgen to fill the gap, with mixed results.
Injury Details and Road to Recovery
Fox got injured in a 5-1 win over the Islanders on March 3, falling hard on his left shoulder in the third period. He was placed on injured reserve and skated on his own before rejoining the team for practice on Tuesday.
The Rangers started a three-game road trip, and while Fox traveled with them, he’s unlikely to play against the Winnipeg Jets. Before his injury, he played 58 games, recording five goals, 43 assists, and 48 points while averaging 23:14 minutes of ice time per game.
His numbers show how much he contributes, and without him, the Rangers have struggled to keep their defense steady.
Rangers Are Struggling Without Him
The Rangers have been adjusting, but it hasn’t been smooth. They played the Ottawa Senators on Saturday and the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday, and those games showed how much they miss him.
Zac Jones and Will Borgen have taken on bigger roles, but the defense hasn’t been as steady. Fox controls the game, and without him, the team reacts more than sets the pace.
The Rangers have stayed competitive, but his absence has made things harder. The team needs him back, but rushing him could make things worse, so they have to wait until he’s fully recovered.
No Timeline Yet, Just Waiting
No one knows when Fox will return, and Peter Laviolette hasn’t given an exact date. The team is being cautious, and that’s the right decision since forcing him back too soon could cause another injury.
What’s clear is that this isn’t a season-ending injury, which is a relief. He’s practicing but not ready for contact. He is traveling with the team but has not been playing yet. It’s a slow process, and the Rangers have to manage without him for now.
His return will help them get back on track, but they’ll have to wait a little longer.
