Eighth-year center Nic Claxton, an offseason trade addition for the Bulls, could be sidelined until early November, head coach Tiago Splitter told reporters this afternoon.

Claxton suffered a hamstring injury during training camp in early October and was reevaluated on Monday. While Splitter said the 27-year-old big man is making progress in his recovery, he indicated that Claxton will likely be sidelined for about two more weeks, as Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic relays (Twitter links).

According to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network (Twitter links), Splitter clarified that the two-week timeline was just an estimate. He added that Claxton will be reevaluated throughout that approximate timeline.

Claxton, 27, was expected to be the Bulls’ starting center this season. He’ll earn $23.1MM in 2026/27, with a $20.9MM salary for ’27/28.

On a brighter note for Bulls fans, backup center Zach Collins (quad) participated in Monday’s practice and had no restrictions, per Splitter. Collins said he felt good after practice and that if that continues in two days, he’s hopeful to play in Wednesday’s regular season opener in Toronto, Johnson adds (via Twitter).

Claxton and Collins were both sidelined for the entire preseason with their respective leg injuries. If Claxton is able to return in exactly two weeks, ahead of the Nov. 2 road game in Philadelphia, he would miss the first six games of the regular season.