The Miami Heat’s 2025-26 campaign will begin without one of their most dynamic scoring threats. The franchise announced late Friday evening that guard Tyler Herro has undergone successful surgery on his left foot and will be sidelined for approximately eight weeks, forcing him to miss the opening stretch of the regular season.
Herro, 25, has battled a string of injury setbacks over the past two seasons, and this latest development adds another frustrating chapter to his career. The former Sixth Man of the Year had been expected to play a pivotal role in the Heat’s pursuit of an Eastern Conference resurgence. Instead, Miami will now have to navigate the first portion of the year without his shot creation and offensive firepower.
The Surgery and Timeline
According to the Heat’s medical staff, Herro underwent a minor but necessary surgical procedure to address lingering discomfort in his left foot. The injury had flared up during his offseason training program and limited his participation in team workouts. After consultations with multiple specialists, Herro and the organization agreed that surgery was the best course of action to ensure long-term stability and avoid more serious complications later in the season.
Recovery time is projected at eight weeks, meaning Herro could potentially return in mid-to-late November if all goes according to plan. That timetable suggests he will miss roughly the first 12–15 games of the season. While the Heat have emphasized that his rehabilitation is progressing well, they are also cautious not to rush his return, particularly given his history of foot and ankle issues.
What the Heat Will Miss
Herro has established himself as one of Miami’s most versatile perimeter scorers. Last season, he averaged 20.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while shooting 39% from beyond the arc. His ability to create shots off the dribble and provide a reliable scoring option outside of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo has made him a cornerstone of the Heat’s offensive system.
Without Herro, head coach Erik Spoelstra will likely turn to Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, and rookie Kel’el Ware to help fill the scoring void. Rozier, who was acquired midseason last year, provides a scoring punch but is still adjusting to Spoelstra’s system. Robinson’s floor spacing will be critical in keeping defenses honest, while the Heat will hope that Ware can contribute meaningful minutes early.
A History of Injuries
Herro’s career trajectory has been somewhat hampered by untimely injuries. In the 2023 NBA Playoffs, he suffered a broken hand that sidelined him during Miami’s remarkable run to the Finals. The following season saw him miss extended time due to ankle sprains and other foot-related issues. This most recent setback adds to the growing narrative around his durability—a concern for both the Heat and their long-term roster planning.
Front Office Perspective
For Heat president Pat Riley and the front office, Herro’s absence at the start of the season underscores the need for depth and flexibility. The Heat have been linked to trade rumors throughout the offseason, with Herro’s name often surfacing in potential deals for star players. While Miami has remained committed to him publicly, his repeated injuries raise questions about how reliable he can be as a long-term piece.
Still, Riley expressed optimism in a brief statement:
“Tyler is an important part of what we do. We’re confident this procedure will set him up for a healthy and productive season once he returns.”
Looking Ahead
The Heat open their season on October 23rd against the Boston Celtics, a marquee matchup that Herro will now be forced to watch from the sidelines. While his absence will certainly be felt, the Heat have built a reputation for resilience and adaptability. If Miami can stay afloat during his recovery period, Herro’s return could provide a major boost as the team looks to climb back into championship contention.
For now, the spotlight shifts to Miami’s supporting cast—and whether they can deliver enough to keep the Heat competitive until their star guard is ready to step back on the floor.