Pistons’ Jodie Meeks says he’s close to return from broken foot

There was a welcomed sight at the end of the Detroit Pistons’ shoot-around Saturday morning.

Shooting guard Jodie Meeks was doing full-strength sprinting, signaling that he has been given a clean bill of health after suffering a broken right foot early in the season.

The former University of Kentucky star wasn’t available to play Saturday night against the New York Knicks, but Meeks is confident he can get up to speed in time to become a factor over the last quarter of the season.

“I think I can come back pretty fast,” Meeks said. “I take care of my body. I don’t do anything bad to it. It will take a little bit of time, but I’ll be fine.”

Meeks suffered the injury at the Palace during the home-opening victory over the Jazz in October.

He quickly had surgery and a recovery time of 12-16 weeks was given.

Meeks resumed light physical activity in January, but he stopped when an examination revealed the foot hadn’t healed completely.

He got the OK last week and returned to full activity for Friday’s practice. But with Anthony Tolliver (knee), Stanley Johnson (shoulder) and Spencer Dinwiddie (ankle) also injured, the Pistons lack the bodies for 5-on-5 work. That might slow Meeks’ return to the lineup.

Swingmen Darrun Hilliard and Reggie Bullock also have had their moments recently.

Meeks will have to remain patient. He really has no choice, as he has played only 62 of 144 games since signing with the Pistons in the summer of 2014.

He missed significant time with a back injury in the beginning of the 2014-15 season.

“I’ve spent more time in a suit than in the jersey since I’ve been here,” Meeks said with a rueful smile. “It happens sometimes. You can’t do anything about it, so just move forward.”

This story was originally published March 6, 2016 at 2:19 PM with the headline "Pistons’ Jodie Meeks says he’s close to return from broken foot."