Jerome out at least 4 weeks with calf strain in another blow to Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome will miss at least four weeks after suffering a high-grade calf strain in the team's final preseason game against the Miami Heat on Friday.

Jerome's the latest addition to a growing list of Grizzlies players who will begin the regular season on the sidelines, joining Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke, and Scotty Pippen Jr.

Memphis star guard Ja Morant also missed the entire preseason after the two-time All-Star sprained his ankle during a practice on Oct. 5. However, head coach Tuomas Iisalo said Monday that Morant is increasingly likely to play in Wednesday's season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans, according to Michael Wallace of Grizzlies.com.

Jerome signed a three-year, $28-million contract with the Grizzlies this summer as a free agent. The 28-year-old spent the last two seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers but is coming off a breakout campaign in which he averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in 70 games to finish third in Sixth Man of the Year voting.

With Jerome, Edey, Clarke, and Pippen all expected to miss extended time, Memphis could become the first team eligible for a hardship exception. The Grizzlies can sign an emergency replacement to a 10-day deal if the club rules out all four players for three consecutive contests, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.