Celtics Injury Report: James Young cleared to play, Thornton update

Photo: Mike Lawrie (Getty Images)

After missing the past two weeks with a separated right shoulder, James Young has been cleared to play.

Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters that Young is healthy, but will remain on the injured reserved list. James will have to earn his back onto the active roster.

When Young injured his right shoulder earlier this month, the first-round rookie has continued to stay positive about the rough beginning to his rookie campaign.

"It's frustrating, man," Young said. "But I just have to keep my head up, keep my confidence high

"I know my time is going to come."

While playing the D-League, Young averaged 22.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals.


Marcus Thornton still not ready

Marcus Thornton, who has been out with a torn calf that he suffered in practice, hopes to be back in action sometime in the near future. Coach Stevens says that his recovery is progressing, but he's not close to making a return.

"[He's] progressing, not doing anything up and down the court yet, but progressing well," coach Stevens said. "We hope to get [him back] sooner rather than later. I don't have an exact time frame."

Thornton has been one of the most consistent scorers off the bench this season. He is averaging 8.2 points in 15 minutes and is the Celtics' best three-point shooter. Thornton is shooting a team-high 43 percent from behind the three point arc.