The questions on Desmond Bane's injury timeline and a potential return have finally been answered.

Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said before Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards that Bane has been doing three-on-three basketball activities the past two weeks and progressed to five-on-five in the past couple of days.

Now, the Grizzlies expect their star shooting guard to return this season.

"(Bane's) working really hard, so I envision in a couple games here, he's back in the lineup," Jenkins said.

Bane last played on Jan. 12, when he injured his ankle in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers. He was diagnosed with a Grade 3 left ankle sprain.

The team announced on Feb. 22 that Bane was expected to return in three to five weeks. He is closer to the three-week mark of that timeline.

In 37 games, Bane has averaged career highs of 24.4 points and 5.3 assists per game. He's also making a career-high 3.3 3-pointers per game.

Brandon Clarke injury update

Don't close the door on a Brandon Clarke return, either. The Grizzlies are being careful with Clarke, who has been out since March 2023 because of a torn left Achilles.

When healthy, he can help stabilize the frontcourt. He has averaged double figures in each of his previous four NBA seasons.

Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman said after the trade deadline that the team could look at giving Clarke some reps before the end of the season. Now it looks like a strong possibility.

Clarke will start five-on-five workouts this weekend in hopes of ramping up toward a return.

"Really encouraged by all the signs he's been showing," Jenkins said. "He's on schedule. We're hopeful sometime maybe at the end of the month he's in a Grizzlies uniform."

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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Injured Memphis Grizzlies star Desmond Bane is closing in on a return