The Jazz will be without reserve big man Jarron Collins for at least four weeks and perhaps more than eight.

Collins said today he is deciding between rest or surgery to calm the inflammation and pain in his injured right elbow.

If he opts for surgery to clean out the joint and reattach whatever may be torn, Collins would be out a minimum of eight weeks. If he passes on the surgery and decides to simply rest instead, the timetable for being out is four to six weeks.

"Either way," Collins said earlier today, "I'll be out for a while."

Collins — who has been diagnosed with both bursitis in the elbow and related triceps tendinitis — has appeared in only two games and logged just 16 minutes for the Jazz this season.

He initially bruised the elbow during an offseason golf-cart accident that also injured his twin brother, Jason Collins of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Collins — who is in his eighth season with the Jazz — hasn't played in more than a week, missing the team's last three games.

Meanwhile, usual starting point guard Deron Williams continues to eye Wednesday night's home game against Memphis for a likely return from the sprained left ankle that has kept him out of all but two games this season.

Williams underwent a strength test this morning, and before practicing today he was asked if he still feels he'll be good enough to go against the Grizzlies.

"We'll see," he said. "I think so. I think it's pretty strong. It's just more 'playing through pain.' ... I'll wait and see how it feels today and tomorrow, and go from there."

Other injury updates:

• All-Star power forward Carlos Boozer (strained left quadriceps tendon/bruised kneecap) did not practice today; a team spokesman said he is improving, but is doubtful for Wednesday night;

• Reserve point guard Brevin Knight (sprained left index finger) did not practice today, and also is listed as doubtful for Wednesday night;

• Reserve forward Matt Harpring (back spasms) did not practice today and instead was being examined and treated by a doctor; he is doubtful as well for Wednesday night;

• Backup shooting guard Kyle Korver (sprained wrist) did not practice today, but was said to be improving and will be a game-time decision Wednesday night.

---

E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com