Miles Bridges and Matt McQuaid injury update

As the Michigan State Spartans wrap up finals week, several players are just trying to get healthy during the winter break.

Among them is star freshman Miles Bridges, who continues to sit out with an ankle injury. Spartans head coach Tom Izzo didn't have much of an update on Bridges this week other than he continues to work on conditioning, primarily by riding the stationary bike.

“He’s starting to crank it out now, and he’s realizing he’s got to get his butt in shape,” said Izzo this week. “It’s hard to be an injured player. It’s hard to stay motivated. The love (the players) have for Miles is off the charts. I think Miles appreciates getting a little encouragement when you’re lonely there by yourself on the injured list.”

Izzo added he thinks MSU will have a better idea of Bridges return by the middle or end of next week.

Another Spartan coming off an injury is sophomore guard Matt McQuaid, who suffered a concussion in practice last week, causing him to miss the win over Tennessee Tech. He’s since returned to practice and is expected to play Sunday vs Northeastern.

McQuaid knows it’s hard for Bridges to sit and watch while his teammates play, though the sophomore doesn’t want to join the freshman on the bench while injured again.

“It’s tough. I don’t know how Miles (does it),” McQuaid said of Bridges. “I was sitting by Miles and talking to him, and it’s hard for him. I’m just glad I don’t have to do this another game.”