Cavs’ Nae’Qwan Tomlin (Back) Out At Least 3-4 Weeks

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin will be sidelined for at least three to four weeks after being diagnosed with a lower back stress reaction. The team announced on October 20, 2026, that Tomlin's season debut will be delayed after he missed the entire preseason and remained uncleared for practice. He is projected to miss at least the first 11 games of the Cavaliers' regular season before undergoing reevaluation.

Tomlin averaged 5.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 64 games for Cleveland during the 2025/26 campaign, earning a promotion from a two-way deal to a guaranteed two-year standard contract in February. Once healthy, Tomlin will compete for playing time under head coach Kenny Atkinson against reserve options Sam Merrill, Mario Hezonja, and Jaylon Tyson.