Utah Jazz: Boozer optimistic he'll be back soon

PHOENIX — Carlos Boozer didn't play when the Jazz fell 106-104 to Phoenix here, marking the 10th straight game he's missed since straining the quadriceps tendon above his left knee.

But the two-time All-Star power forward suggested before Saturday's game that he remains hopeful he can play again soon.

"I'm hoping for ... one of the two games early in the week, either Tuesday or Thursday," Boozer said, referencing games at Minnesota and a TNT-televised home outing against Portland. "We'll just see how stronger it gets in the next few days."

Boozer is rehabbing daily, and has continually increased activity since getting hurt two-and-a-half weeks ago in a Nov. 19 game against Milwaukee.

"I've been running on it a little bit, getting stronger," said Boozer, the victim of an inordinately busy game schedule during the time he's been out.

"I can't run full speed yet," he added, "but I'm getting there."

Boozer said he'll likely wear a brace whenever he returns, but that he's improved "a lot" in the past week.

He doesn't know if he'll practice with the team Monday, but doesn't think that's necessary even if he were to return Tuesday.

"As long as I'm comfortable and confident in it," he said, "then that's what we'll go by."

Previously injured point guard Deron Williams and sixth man Andrei Kirilenko both have returned from ankle injuries while Boozer's been out, but their status won't impact his.

"I'm happy that they're back, but my (time)table is different," Boozer said. "I have to make sure my knee is ready to rock-and-roll before I go back out there."

Meanwhile Saturday, reserve big men Kyrylo Fesenko (strained lower back) and Jarron Collins (inflamed elbow) both were also inactive against the Suns.

KNIGHT HOSPITALIZED: Jazz reserve point guard Brevin Knight was hospitalized overnight for observation after getting struck in the windpipe with an elbow from one of the Suns during the final few seconds of Saturday's opening quarter.

Knight immediately reached for his throat after the play.

He stayed in the game and even played about three-and-a-half minutes in the second quarter, but — after tasting blood in his mouth — was taken to a local hospital at halftime.