Derrick Rose injury update: Knicks guard out at least eight weeks following right ankle surgery

Rose injured his ankle in a recent game against the Rockets

The New York Knicks will be without a key contributor for the next couple of months, at least. 

On Wednesday, the Knicks announced that veteran guard Derrick Rose will be re-evaluated in eight weeks after undergoing successful surgery on his right ankle. However, there is some optimism that Rose's return could come in closer to six weeks, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Rose, 33, injured his right ankle in a game against the Houston Rockets on Dec. 16., and he missed New York's past two games as a result of the ankle injury. 

On the season, Rose is averaging 12 points, four assists and three rebounds in 24.5 minutes per performance for New York. The temporary loss of Rose's services will be tough for a Knicks team that is currently on the periphery of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference with a 14-17 record through 31 games. Kemba Walker, who had fallen out of New York's rotation entirely, will likely see his role increase in Rose's absence. The same can be said for second-year guard Immanuel Quickley, and veteran Alec Burks. 

A two-month absence would put Rose back in action sometime in late February or early March, as long as his recovery goes smoothly. Based on that timeline, Rose should be back in plenty of time for postseason play, as long as the Knicks are able to qualify -- a task that becomes tougher with Rose sidelined for a substantial amount of time.